Career Opportunities
The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected careers in Paralegal to grow much faster than average compared to other occupations between 2004 and 2014, with job opportunities increasing by more than 29 percent during that period. There are several periodic surveys of paralegal salaries, and the results vary. Some of the factors that determine salaries include size of the firm and community, type of practice, experience, and the firm's understanding of the value of paralegal services. Legal Assistant Today, the leading professional journal for paralegals, reported an average national annual salary of $52,979 in 2007, plus annual bonuses ranging $3,120.
A Paralegal degree provides additional professional advantages. There are many professions that, while not titled "paralegal", are able to make use of paralegal related skills. Some of these professions include: Real Estate Professionals, Landlords/Property Managers, Patent Clerks, Investigative Positions, Social Services, and Office Managers. Many government and corporate positions can also be enhanced by a paralegal education.
Alumni in Graduate Schools
Almost all MSUM paralegal graduates who continue into graduate level studies enroll in law school. Each year about two or three graduates are accepted to law school. Area law schools have indicated that the paralegal program provides good undergraduate preparation for law school.
Alumni at Work
Recent MSUM paralegal graduates are currently working in private law firms, corporate legal departments, legal aid programs for the poor, government agencies, non-profit advocacy centers, court administration, real estate and financial institutions, and many other sites.