Paralegal studies
What to expect
The legal system, like any other, has its pecking order. In law, lawyers have grabbed the top spot. Then come all the other people who ‘administer justice’ — police officers, parole officers, prison officers, paraprofessionals and administrators who assist lawyers, as well as people who design, run or provide security systems or services in big organisations.
Most of the courses in the paralegal field of study are designed to prepare or further educate people who are in or who wish to enter these various occupations.
However, paralegal studies is also a growing field, which is now developing its own professional niches, rather than just playing the supporting role in law, crime and security. Some of the interesting areas in which courses have emerged or grown in importance during the last decade include:
- Advocacy
- Community justice
- Criminology and crime prevention
- Defence and strategy
- Dispute resolution and mediation
- Forensic science.
Getting a degree in paralegal studies
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Specialisations
|
Aboriginal para-legal studies |
Advocacy |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice studies |
Community justice |
Correctional studies |
|
Crime prevention |
Criminal justice |
Criminology |
Defence studies |
Forensic science |
|
Investigative practices |
Judicial studies |
Justice administration |
Justice studies |
Law enforcement |
|
Legal administration |
Legal studies |
Police studies |
Security studies |
Terrorism |
For a long time, the courses in para-legal studies were mostly offered at diploma or certificate level in the VET sector. However, as professional roles have developed in emerging fields such as forensics and criminology, university course options have begun to reflect this.
Some relevant degrees will have these specialisation names in the title, but others will be plain arts, science or business degrees with a major or specialisation in one of the areas listed above.
Getting in
Whilst entry to paralegal degree courses has generally been easier than law, the overall level of difficulty has increased in recent years. This may reflect the rising demand for forensics-related courses, along with courses like criminology, which are generally very popular.
Prerequisites (if there are any) will vary from course to course, but be aware that some programs are designed for people already working in the paralegal field so prior work experience might be required.
Where to study
There are now quite a number of universities and even some specialist higher education providers offering courses in para-legal studies. However, depending on the specialisation you want, your options might be limited. Justice studies and criminology are probably more common than others, as they are often available in arts degrees.
Careers for paralegal degree graduates
The majority of paralegal graduates are employed in the public sector. They work in the justice system, legal services, protective services and government departments, among others. Opportunities also exist in private industry and, depending on the specific area of specialisation, in private practice.
According to the national Course Experience Questionnaire survey, graduates of these courses are well satisfied with their experience overall. Starting salaries are below average at $45,043 for graduates in 2009. Employment prospects are average, with 26 per cent of recent graduates looking for full-time work. In terms of graduate employment destinations, the majority (55 per cent) of the 2008 graduate cohort found work in the public sector. A further 27 per cent went into private industry, 10 per cent into private practice and 34 per cent participated in further study.
For more information
If you are interested in this field you should also look at courses in law (if you can meet entry requirements) and social work . Depending on your interests and career needs, you may also find courses that appeal to you in fields as varied as business and management , education and training , humanities and social sciences .
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