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Legal Assistant / Paralegal Online Course
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Course Overview
Blackstone Career Institute offers a nationally accredited Legal Assistant / Paralegal program for those interested in home study. Blackstone has an impeccable reputation and has provided legal training continuously since 1890, with the distinction of being one of the first distance education training schools.
Thousands of students later, we continue to improve our programs. Our latest endeavor offers an Online Student Center to all active Blackstone students. The Online Student Center allows you to select the course delivery method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style.
It generally takes between eight months and two years to complete the Blackstone Legal Assistant / Paralegal home study course. Our accredited program provides the required clock hours needed to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification exam given by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Blackstone offers access to the LexisNexis ® Total Research System to all of our students at a special student rate. This includes an online tutorial, a 24-hour help line and a step-by-step LexisNexis ® learning guide.
Offering more than just legal and paralegal research, the LexisNexis ® Total Research System provides online access to state and federal case law; codes and statutes; court documents; over 3.5 billion public records (the most available anywhere online); business, legal, and regional news; expert commentary on the law; Shepard’s® Citations Service; and so much more. Learn more about the products and services for paralegals offered from LexisNexis ®.
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Career
What is a Paralegal?
Sometimes paralegals are referred to as legal assistants, lawyer’s assistants, or investigators. Each of these terms describes dependable, skilled professionals who serve in a variety of capacities in the legal community. Paralegals have been officially recognized by the American Bar Association since 1968.
Paralegals provide valuable services while working under the supervision of lawyers. Responsibilities vary greatly depending upon the employer and position. Paralegals are often responsible for conducting research, drafting legal documents, working with clients, and assisting in trial preparation.
How do I know if a paralegal career is right for me?
Becoming a paralegal is a great choice for your future if you are seeking a more fulfilling profession or you want to improve your current lifestyle. Paralegal training can provide the edge you need to stand out and step up in your current career as well as help you achieve professional certification.
Are there legal assistant and paralegal job opportunities out there? And what about job security?
There is a steadily increasing need for paralegals in the private sector as well as in various government offices. Even when other elements of the economy slow down, the need for paralegals will continue to grow. This is because paralegals can provide many of the same services as lawyers, but at a lower cost.
In recent years, the number of new jobs in the national paralegal market has outpaced the growth rate for most other jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates employment for paralegals will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014.
Paralegals are in demand at private law firms, large corporations, insurance companies, and government agencies. Some paralegals choose to work in community legal aid offices, helping to bring legal services to those who wouldn’t normally have access to such help.
Experienced paralegals may enjoy even greater opportunitiescreating a home business. See where Blackstone graduates are employed!
What kind of salary could a paralegal / legal assistant earn?
According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, paralegals had an average salary of $48,211 in 2008. Many also received a bonus, which averaged $3,808.
According to the 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook, top paralegal pay was over $67,540 in 2006, while the middle 50 percent of paralegals earned between $33,920 and $54,690.
Where will I work as paralegal and what will I be doing?
Paralegals fill an assortment of positions in almost every locale in law firms and a multitude of other entities. Often, paralegals choose positions based on unique interests and skills, previous work experience, or future goals for specialization and advancement.
When you receive your diploma, you may choose to work in a corporate legal department handling employee benefits and contracts, or performing necessary regulatory research and analysis. Or, you may work for a small law firm and use your knowledge of all aspects of law, or a large law firm where you will specialize in criminal law or real estate law.
No matter what your interests, the paralegal field—with its unlimited variety of employers, specialties, and positions—likely holds the perfect opportunity for you and your dreams for the future.
Organizations that employ paralegals include:
- Banks; Savings and Loans
- Construction Companies
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Court Reporting Agencies
- Federal and State Banking Agencies
- Insurance Companies
- Internal Revenue Service
- Law Firms
- Law Schools
- Legal Aid Societies
- Municipal, Trial, and Appellate Courts
- Private Investigators
- Sheriff’s Department
- Title Companies
- Unions
Paralegals also work for federal, state, and local government, where there is an increasing need for additional paralegals. Large numbers of paralegals work for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Additionally, community legal aid offices of federal and state government employ paralegals as:
- Benefits Representatives
- Bankruptcy Law Specialists
- Case Advocates and Specialists
- Community Education Specialists
- Consumer Law Specialists
- Domestic Relations Specialists
- Employment Law Specialists
- Health Law Specialists
- Housing/Tenant Law Specialists
- Immigration Law Specialists
- Information and Referral Specialists
- Legal Research Specialists
- Legislative Advocates
- Public Entitlement Specialists
- Senior Citizens Specialists
- Social Security Specialists
- Tribal Court Representatives
- Wills Procedures Specialists
Can I enroll in the Blackstone legal assistant / paralegal course without prior legal training?
Yes! If you are a motivated self-starter, you will find the home study course to be well-paced and easy to understand. You will learn to crawl before you have to walk. Then before you know it, you will be running towards your new and exciting career.
What will I receive when I enroll in the Blackstone legal assistant / paralegal course?
You will receive the materials, training, and support that you need to become an entry-level paralegal. Materials include:
- eleven volumes of study books
- a law dictionary
- a text to study legal research
- study guides for legal research
- a text on finding a job as a paralegal and improving your employability skills
- 31 exams to assess your knowledge
- an official transcript and diploma at course completion
Experts in the field of paralegal studies have prepared these materials. All materials have been time-tested and proven to provide students with the knowledge necessary to succeed. While comprehensive, the materials are also easy to understand because they are written in clear English. A detailed list of the items above can be viewed by clicking on the Materials tab at the top of this page.
The Blackstone program also provides the required clock hours needed to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Course Curriculum Detail
The comprehensive Blackstone Paralegal course curriculum covers a broad range of legal topics.
- Volume I: Law - Its Origin, Nature and Development & Contracts
- Volume II: Torts
- Volume III: Criminal Law
- Volume IV: Real Property - Part I
- Volume V: Real Property - Part II
- Volume VI: Pleadings in Civil Actions, Practice in Civil Actions, Criminal Procedures
- Volume VII: Wills & Trusts
- Volume VIII: Partnerships & Corporations
- Volume IX: Constitutional Law - Part I
- Volume X: Constitutional Law - Part II
- Volume XI: Finding, Reading, and Using the Law
- Volume XII: Legal Research and Writing Exercises for Paralegals
- Volume XIII: Paralegal Career Starter: How to Find a Job as a Paralegal
- Volume XIV: Ethics for Paralegals
Volume I: Law - Its Origin, Nature and Development & Contracts (220 pages)
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Volume II: Torts (234 pages)
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Volume III: Criminal Law (154 pages)
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Volume IV: Real Property- Part I (180 pages)
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Volume V: Real Property- Part II (184 pages)
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Volume VI: Pleadings in Civil Actions, Practice in Civil Actions, Criminal Procedures (206 pages)
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Volume VII: Wills and Trusts (190 pages)
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Volume VIII: Partnerships & Corporations (222 pages)
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Volume IX: Constitutional Law- Part I (104 pages)
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Volume X: Constitutional Law- Part II (118 pages)
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Volume XI: Finding, Reading, and Using the Law, by Anne M. Stevens (471 pages) and Legal Research Study Guide, by Tracey Biscontini (98 pages)
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Volume XII: Legal Research and Writing (A Study Guide to the Finding, Reading, and Using Law text), by Tracey Biscontini (72 pages)
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Volume XIII: Paralegal Career Starter, by Jo Lynn Southard (206 pages) and How to Find a Job as a Paralegal Study Guide, by Tracey Biscontini (72 pages)
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Volume XIV: Ethics for Paralegals (94 pages)
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Legal Assistant / Paralegal Course Materials
Blackstone will provide you with the following tools for your success in the paralegal profession, all of which are included in your tuition:
Blackstone Modern American Law Series
This ten-volume set of standard texts will become a valuable lifelong reference. Texts average 155 pages, with almost 2,150 pages in all.
Blackstone Law Glossary
This extra volume gives a concise definition of legal words and phrases that the law student is likely to encounter, plus the phonetic pronunciation of words - an invaluable tool when going through the Blackstone course. This will arrive with your first shipment.
Black's Law Dictionary (Pocket Edition)
This is an authoritative and up-to-date dictionary, fully defining over 10,000 terms. Based on the award-winning Black's Law Dictionary Abridged Edition, it is unmatched in readability and ease of use. This 796 page deluxe, perfect bound book - a must for every law student - will be sent at the midpoint of your course.
The Everything Guide to Being a Paralegal, by Steven W. Schneider
This invaluable reference handbook provides information on how to work with lawyers, choosing a legal specialty, assistance at trial, and other skills necessary for new paralegals.
Finding, Reading and Using the Law, by Anne M. Stevens
Finding, Reading and Using Law is an excellent resource for legal assistants, paralegals, and anyone interested in conducting effective legal research, analysis and writing.
Legal Research Study Guide, by Tracey Biscontini
Accompanies the text Finding, Reading and Using the Law.
Legal Research and Writing Study Guide, by Tracey Biscontini
Accompanies the text Finding, Reading and Using the Law.
Paralegal Career Starter, by Jo Lynn Southard
The Paralegal Career Starter gives readers the vital information necessary to begin an exciting career in the legal field. In addition to valuable tips on breaking into the legal sector, this book also contains comprehensive information about education, training programs, financial aid opportunities, and new trends within this growing and exciting profession. In addition, candidates learn about non-legal careers for which paralegals are in demand. This new edition is packed with useful online resources, updated and revamped with a comprehensive directory of paralegal programs, and chockfull of contact information for professional associations, and more.
How to Find a Job as a Paralegal Study Guide
Accompanies the text Paralegal Career Starter.
Ethics for Paralegals Study Unit
This text covers the evolution of the paralegal profession; job responsibilities; confidentiality, conduct, and ethics; working as a freelance or independent paralegal; and lifelong learning.
Access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center
Along with your traditional course items, you will gain unlimited access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center, where you can take exams and receive instantaneous Grade Reports, chat real-time with other students, participate in online discussions, and receive up-to-the-minute news about Blackstone.
In addition, Blackstone will also provide you with:
Thorough Testing
A total of 31 exams, comprised of approximately 120 pages, and six writing exercises assist Blackstone in assessing your understanding of the concepts taught.
Documents
You will receive an official transcript and a Legal Assistant / Paralegal diploma upon successful completion of the entire program. A copy of your transcript will also be on permanent file with Blackstone and is available for a nominal fee.
Ample Time
You have up to two years to complete the Blackstone Legal Assistant / Paralegal program. If additional time is needed, a six-month extension can be purchased.
Individual Grading
Your mailed exams and assignments will be individually graded by Blackstone’s staff. If you submit your exams through the Online Student Center, you will receive an electronic Grade Report instantly.
Support
Your success is important to us! Any time you need assistance, please contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or problems you encounter with the course materials or exams.
Tuition
Your low tuition cost covers your entire program including all textbooks, study guides, exam evaluation services, access to the Online Student Center, and your diploma upon graduation.
Financial Assistance
Blackstone’s financial assistance programs include GI Bill Education Benefits for veterans and Career Training Loans through SLM Financial, a Sallie Mae Company. BCI also offers its own payment plan, which is interest free.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
We offer a generous student tuition protection policy that covers cancellations and refunds. Review our policy using the tuition tab at the top of this page.
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Course Tuition
A quality education is an investment in your future. Blackstone's home study programs are designed to be affordable while providing excellence in education and student services.
Payment Options:
- Payment in Full - $750.00*
- Payment Plan B - One down payment of $59.00, eleven monthly payments of $59.00, and a final payment of $42.00 for a total price of $750.00.*
*Total cost of $750.00 includes a $112.50 registration fee.
Monthly Payment Plan:
Pay a low down payment upon enrollment as your first monthly payment and your remaining fees in monthly installments - interest free! The duration depends on the program you select.
Go to our Financial Assistance section to review other financing options, including SLM Career Training Loans from SLM Financial.
Although we endeavor to keep prospective students updated on any upcoming tuition changes, fees are subject to change without notice at any time prior to your enrollment. Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding the current program tuition.
Your tuition fee includes:
- All instruction, exam evaluation, and grading of homework assignments
- Access to our state-of-the-art Online Student Center
- Full student services and support during your program, including unlimited e-mail, fax, and telephone support
- All new, latest edition textbooks
- Comprehensive and up-to-date study guides prepared by faculty and reviewed by subject matter experts
- Exam grade reports with references for questions answered incorrectly
- One official school transcript
- An embossed Legal Assistant / Paralegal diploma upon completion of program requirements
...And, depending on the course you take:
- Multimedia CD-ROMs
- Course supplements
- Charts
- Audiotapes and CDs
- Transcription Equipment
The exact materials list for each program is available in the Materials tab at the top of this page.
International Student Policy
International, Alaskan, Hawaiian and Canadian students are required to participate under the full payment plan only. There is an additional charge for shipping/handling of all materials. Please refer to the International Training page for requirements or call 800.826.9228 prior to enrollment. AK, HI, Canadian and international students may be required to pay extra duties required by customs authorities at the time of receipt of study material. Here is a helpful online Currency Converter.
Methods of Payment
You may use your Visa, Discover, Master Card, or American Express Card to securely enroll online. You may also pay for your program by money order or check. A returned check fee of $25.00 will apply.
NOTE: To Employed Individuals
Some students may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement of their tuition by their employers. Your company may be able to take advantage of The Employee Education Assistance Act (IRS Code, Section 127). Check with your supervisor or personnel department.
Student Tuition Protection Policy
Review Blackstone Career Institute's cancellation and refund policy below.
Blackstone Career Institute is confident that the course you have selected will be everything we advertise. To assure you of this, we provide this cancellation and refund policy. A student may cancel the program by notifying the school in any manner; a written request is recommended. If you cancel within 5 days from the signature date on your Enrollment Agreement, all monies will be refunded. (If you are taking the program under GI Bill benefits, you have a minimum 10-day waiting period before submitting a signed affirmation, and you will receive a prompt refund of the total amount paid.) If you cancel after 5 days from the signature date of your Enrollment Agreement, but prior to receipt by the school of your first exam (or, if you are using GI Bill benefits, then after the 10-day affirmation period), you are obligated to a registration fee of 15% of the tuition or $150, whichever is less. (Students using GI Bill benefits are liable to the school for a registration fee of 10% of the tuition or $50.00, whichever is less.) If you cancel after submitting the first exam, you are obligated to pay the school the registration fee plus a percentage of tuition as follows:
A. Up to and including 10% of the exams, 10% of the tuition.
B. After submitting more than 10% up to and including 25% of the exams, 25% of the tuition.
C. After submitting more than 25% up to and including 50% of the exams, 50% of the tuition.
D. After submitting more than 50% of the exams, you owe the school the full tuition.
If you choose to cancel and have paid the school more than the amount as calculated above, all excess payments will be refunded upon receipt of all unused book(s) and learning material(s) in ‘resalable condition.’ All materials, books, CDs, and hardware will be inspected for use. If you have written in your book(s), highlighted, bent, folded, or otherwise damaged any of the returned materials, they will be considered not resalable and will require a refund reduction equal to the replacement cost of those materials. B.C.I. is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected mail; retain verification of your return shipment. No CODs or postage-due returns will be accepted. Refunds are processed within 30 days to the payee of record. No refunds will be issued after 15 months.
Tuition Comparison
While the cost of attending a private career school today can be over $10,000 a year, the total cost of Blackstone's distance education Legal Assistant / Paralegal is only $750.00! This tuition cost includes everything you will need to complete your Blackstone program and upon successful completion, receive your career diploma. In addition, Blackstone offers two ways to complete your career program coursework: traditional correspondence-based study or through the Blackstone Online Student Center, which allows you access to your coursework and exams online. You select the method that best fits your educational preferences and your learning style all for one low tuition cost. When you factor in the value of your time, our traditional or online distance education program becomes an even better investment. Because you can complete your Blackstone career program in less time than other programs, you realize the return on your investment a lot sooner.
Blackstone Career Institute offers the Legal Assistant / Paralegal career program at a competitive tuition cost. Below you will see how Blackstone's low tuition compares to that of other traditional and online career schools.
| Tuition Cost* | Other Fees** | Total Program Cost | |
| Blackstone Career Institute | $750 | $0 | $750 |
| Washington Online Learning Institute | $5,490 | $0 | $5,490 |
| The Paralegal Institute | $2,555 | $0 | $2,555 |
| Penn Foster Career School | $707 | $191 | $898 |
| Ashworth University | $1,144 | $24 | $1,168 |
| National Paralegal College | $4,035+ | $0 - $195 | $4,035+ |
| American Institute for Paralegal Studies | $9,895 | $890 | $10,785 |
* Cost is for the entire program tuition as of 12/17/2007 and is subject to change. Costs were collected from each school's Web site.
** Other fees can include textbooks and materials, registration fees, credit application fees, technology fees, online fees, and shipping and handling fees.
At Blackstone Career Institute there are no application fees. A down payment of $50.00 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your program tuition releasing your first package of lessons. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. Enroll now, online!
Call us toll free at 1.800.826.9228 to speak with a student service representative if you have questions or would like to enroll directly!
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Career Resources
Career Resources include sites that specifically relate to your legal assistant / paralegal course. Find organizations to join and increase your networking abilities. Many of these organizations and associations have their own newsletters or magazines, job databases, and certification exams. You will also find links to other relevant web sites for your career path and books, software or journals that can help as you build your professional knowledge.
Explore online resources below in the following categories:
- Paralegal Associations
- Related Associations
- State Bar Associations
- Government Links
- Law Related Sites and Resources
- Job Resources for Paralegals
- Books and Journals for the Paralegal Profession
Paralegal Associations
National Paralegal Association
National Association of Legal Assistants
Association of Legal Administrators
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
U.S Paralegal Organizations by State
Capitol Area Paralegal Association
The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.
Related Associations
NALS: The Association for Legal Professionals
International Paralegal Management Association
National Legal Aid & Defender Association • Resources for those seeking more information on equal justice
State Bar Associations
State and Local Bar Association Directory
North America Bar Associations
Government Links
Government Jobs • Search federal, state, and local government jobs, with links to job search articles and resources.
Government Job Bank • Search for jobs and post your resume
U.S. Department of State • Domestic and overseas employment in a wide variety of disciplines
Federal Government Resources: Civil Service • Employment opportunities, links to Internet job sources, news, current salary information, and federal resume writing
United States Department of Justice • Jobs, resources, DOJ agencies, and press releases
Office of the Attorney General
American Civil Liberties Union • Find information on all the latest civil rights issues
Federal Bar Association • Provides networking and leadership opportunities to law students, attorneys, and judges.
Law-Related Sites and Resources
U.S. Courts • Locate district courts, probation offices, court of appeals, bankruptcy courts, and pretrial services offices by city, state, county, zip or area codes.
The Supreme Court Historical Society • A history and heritage of the Supreme Court and how it works
Library of Congress • U.S. and overseas newspapers, current periodicals, and government publications
Attorneys in the Martindale Directory • Search for lawyers by name, location, area of practice, firm, or in U.S. Government agencies
Lawyer directory from LexisNexis • Search by practice area or location
Prison Legal News • Search articles and cases
Legal Assistant Today • Website for the trade magazine Legal Assistant Today; with online artiles, news briefs and events
LawCentral.com • Links to a variety of law-related sites
AllLaw.com • Great website for law-related journals, periodicals, state and federal resources, legal organizations, references and legal topics
CataLaw • Database of catalogs of worldwide law on the Internet
FindLaw • News, cases and codes; a resource for students, legal professionals and the public
Law.com • Buy legal books and products, search for legal terms and verdicts, file legal documents and forms, links to legal magazines
Lawsource.com • Home of American Law Sources On-line, providing a comprehensive, uniform, and useful compilation of links to freely accessible on-line sources of law for the United States and Canada
LLRX.com • Law and technology resources for legal professionals, including sources for State and Federal court rules, forms, dockets and legislation and law-related articles
The Virtual Chase • Articles, guides, teaching materials, an alert service and more on Internet research strategies and resources
Westlaw • Online legal research service that provides access statutes, case law materials, public records, and other legal resources, along with current news articles and business information
Famous Trials • Famous American and international trials, including primary and secondary sources, maintained at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School
Federal Judicial Center • Reference to help students, the public, and federal court employees understand aspects of the federal courts
Law's Order: What Economics Has to do with Law and Why it Matters • A web manuscript by David Friedman that covers several topics related to economics and subsequent laws
Legal Information Institute • An electronic library covering various law topics, court opinions, introduction to basic legal citation, state and federal laws
National Criminal Justice Reference Service • Federally funded resource offering justice and substance abuse information
Laguna Preparers Service • Legal document assistant services for all California counties
Legal Abbreviations and Terms • Westlaw glossary of terms used in legal research
lib.law.washington.edu • Acronyms and abbreviations that are used throughout Washington Legal Researcher's Deskbook 3d
www.law.cornell.edu • Lexicon at Cornell's Legal Information Institute offers definitions of legal terms
dictionary.lp.findlaw.com • Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Law on Findlaw
Harvard Law School Legal Citation Guides and Abbreviation Lists
dictionary.law.com • Law.com's online Real Life Dictionary of the Law
Job Resources for Paralegals
U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics • Occupational Outlook Handbook for paralegals
Monster.com Career Advice • Paralegal career profile
Resume Center on Monster.com • View a sample paralegal resume and career advice
Exclusively Legal • Provides specialized staffing services to law firms and corporate legal departments, a job search engine, and ability to submit a resume
Vault • Find firms by region and search the law job board
Lawjobs • Search jobs, post your resume, submit career questions
Legal Career Center Network • Job search and recruiting services for legal community, search for Associations by state
Beacon Hill Legal • Provides interim and direct-hire staffing solutions to law firms and corporations: for paralegals, legal support staff, and those interested in specific and specialized practice areas
StaffWise Legal, Inc. • Recruit candidates for paralegal and legal support personnel positions
ParalegalPost.com • Jobs for the paralegal community, interview and resume tips
Kelly Law Registry • Legal placement firm specializing in permanent and temporary assignments
Paralegal Jobs • Search jobs and post your resume
Law Crossing • The largest collection of legal jobs in the world
IHireLegal • Search jobs, upload your resume, and receive live customer support and email notifications of new job postings athat match your qualifications
Pathways Personnel • Submit your resume and browse open positions; for Northern California only.
CollegeGrad.com • Entry level paralegal jobs and job seeker tools & resources
Paralegal-Jobs.com • Access to thousands of paralegal jobs for all levels of experience
Legal Degree Hunter • Legal job search engine and salary information
Filcro Personnel, Inc. • Recruits paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries for New York Law Firms and Corporations
Books and Journals for the Paralegal Profession
The Independent Paralegal's Handbook
Amazon.com • Check out the various titles available and type “paralegal” into the search bar Paralegal books at ParalegalGateway.com
Loc.gov • Find law and paralegal books at the Library of Congress
Legal Assistant Today • Subscribe to their bimonthly magazine for Paralegal Professionals, or join the LAT Listserv to network with other paralegals
2006 Salary Guide • Request this FREE from Robert Half Legal...call 800.870.8367
Train for your new career with accredited online training programs and courses. Enroll today!
Blackstone Career Institute is a Direct Learning Systems School. ©1999-2008 Direct Learning Systems, Inc.
Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Washington D.C., regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Philadelphia, PA and licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
BCI provides an excellent foundation for anyone interested in earning a career diploma from home. With more than a century of expertise, Blackstone offers a committed, responsive faculty and a quality education, all at an affordable rate.