• What is a Paralegal?

  The ABA defines a Paralegal as someone who is qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

   

• What does a Paralegal do?

  A Paralegal can perform just about any service that a lawyer might do that is not specifically prohibited by statute. The Paralegal may not independently engage in the practice of law, and all services must be performed under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals cannot independently go to Court, but can perform a number of tasks, including, but not limited to, interviewing clients and witnesses, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, gathering evidence and assisting at trials other than active participation in the trial itself.

   

• Can I be a Paralegal?

  If you enjoy challenges and finding out answers, yes you can! The Paralegal profession attracts people who love to read and have inquiring minds. Since most Paralegals perform a lot of research, a Paralegal should have a distinct love of finding answers and solutions to problems. One of the most rewarding aspects of the profession is the opportunity to interact with the public and to reach solutions to individual's problems.

   

• What types of Paralegal education are available?

  Some programs offer certificates where a student passes a required number of courses in a relatively short period of time. Also, available are two-year programs, usually at community colleges, which grant an Associates Degree. Finally, many programs offer four-year Bachelor Degrees, the same as majoring in Political Science, Biology, Education or Business, for example.

   

• Can I find a job?

  The Paralegal profession has been listed by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, as one of the fastest growing occupations through the year 2008. Attorneys in the area of service of the University have increasingly realized the valuable service performed by Paralegals, and prospects for employment have risen dramatically. Our students are also prepared for careers in law other than law offices, such as with bank trust departments, corporate litigation departments and insurance companies.

   

• How can I distinguish which program is best for me?

  That can only be answered by assessing your personal situation as to time, financial aid, market conditions, etc. Generally, however, like other professions, the higher the degree, the better the job prospects. Also, a student should look to see if a program is approved by the American Bar Association. If so, this is additional insurance that the program has met at least minimum standards of excellence.

   

• Are the graduates of MUW successful?

  Paralegal graduates of Mississippi University for Women, after enjoying one of the finest educations possible, have historically been employed in some of the finest small single practioner law firms to metropolitan large law firms. Many of our graduates are inspired by their study of the law to continue onto law school. Paralegal education is not intended to be a pre-law course, but does provide a solid foundation for law school. By offering a four-year, ABA-approved degree, our graduates compete on a national level with those of other programs and have been in demand by the legal profession for several years.

  Here is a testimonial by one of our many successful graduates:

  "It is with great pleasure that I thank the MUW Paralegal Department for the great career you have given me. The paralegal education I received at MUW has served me well.

  I am often asked what I feel the strength of the MUW Paralegal Department is. I answer with one word, "Integrity." The instructors and staff are people of the highest integrity. They do everything possible to instill integrity into every aspect of the program and into the students. These teachings, if accepted and utilized by the students, assures success in their professional endeavors."

  Sandra Meadows,
  Class of 1995
  August 21, 2002

Please contact us. We would love to see you. Remember, at Mississippi University for Women, Paralegal is the law.