Did you know that becoming a lawyer can take seven to eight years of education? Are you fascinated by the law but don’t have the time to become a lawyer? Gwinnett College offers Paralegal Studies Diploma and Degree programs for you to start working as an entry-level paralegal in the legal field. So, what areas of law does a paralegal work in?
What Areas of Law Do Paralegals Work In?
As a paralegal, you have options. There are many different specialties, and most attorneys’ offices focus on one or two areas of the law. During the Paralegal Studies Degree and Diploma programs at Gwinnett College, you can learn about these areas of law and decide which to choose as a career. The good news is that you will study all of these legal fields to make a change if needed. Some of the different fields in law include:
Bankruptcy Law
There are two types of bankruptcy law: consumer and commercial. Consumers owe money to creditors and usually file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, commercial bankruptcy can file for Chapter 7, 11, or 13. Each has its benefits. Different types of bankruptcy include:
Chapter 7 – a liquidation under the bankruptcy code where the company is insolvent and sells off assets to pay off creditors.
Chapter 9 – municipality bankruptcy is for cities and other government entities.
Chapter 11 – an individual or company reorganizes debt and comes out the other side, continuing to do business.
Chapter 12 – bankruptcy for family farms and fishermen.
Chapter 13 – bankruptcy for individuals to create a payment plan to pay down debt.
Commercial Law
Commercial law oversees the sale and distribution of goods. It primarily deals with conflicts related to selling and purchasing goods, products, and services. The paralegal working in commercial law may do research about the transactions and write reports to support the legal team.
Corporate Law
Corporate law oversees business management, operations, formation, mergers, and acquisitions. Paralegals working in corporate law assist lawyers in conducting research and due diligence.
Criminal Law
Criminal law adjudicates criminals who have broken the law and pose a threat to the community at large. It regulates how suspects are investigated, charged, and tried, with punishment to follow for convicted offenders. There are different levels of crime, from infractions to misdemeanors to felonies. A paralegal may oversee the investigation of the facts of a case and write reports to help the legal team prepare for trial.
Family Law
Family law covers many different legal issues, from divorce and separation to child support, custody and visitation, adoption, guardianship, and foster care. It also deals with prenuptial agreements, restraining and protective orders, and estate planning. A paralegal that works in family law may talk with family members and witnesses while drafting declarations and statements to assist during mediation.
Immigration and Nationality Law
Immigration and nationality law covers the laws and regulations that dictate the movement of people from one country to another. A immigration law paralegal may talk with immigrants and their families to understand the situation and gather information for the legal team. They may research and find precedents to help the lawyers during court proceedings and challenge removal orders.
Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property law focuses on the laws that protect and enforce the rights of creators and owners of inventions, writing, music, and other unique patentable, copyrighted, or trademarked content. The law ensures that creators earn recognition or financial benefit from their inventions and creations. An intellectual property paralegal may research patents, copyrights and trademark filings to identify the original owner of the invention.
Litigation
Litigation is the formal process of resolving a legal dispute. It occurs in state and federal courts. Civil procedures are used to find a financial remedy. A paralegal may file a complaint with the court, talk with witnesses, file motions, research precedent, and support the legal team.
Probate Law
Probate is a court-supervised legal process that starts when an individual passes away and must have their assets validated and distributed. Probate can occur with or without a will or trust. It is required following an individual’s death to settle and distribute assets or pay debts.
Tax Law
Tax law covers the rules, policies, and regulations that govern the taxation process. A lawyer and paralegal may focus on individual tax or corporate tax law. They understand the laws concerning tax and advise their client on the taxation process. This can include managing capital gains, income tax, and use and sales tax.
Worker’s Compensation Law
This area of law helps those who are injured or disabled while working on the job. Many employers purchase worker’s compensation so they can provide an injured worker with a fixed monetary award. This award averts the need for litigation. A paralegal may interview the injured worker and the corporation they work for to better understand the issue and shed light on the case for the legal team.
Paralegal Studies Program
Ready to start a new career as a paralegal? Our Lilburn, Marietta, and Raleigh campuses offer the following degree and diploma training programs in paralegal studies and legal assisting. Graduates from these Paralegal Studies Degree and Diploma Programs learn the technical and computer skills to assist law firms in managing cases in personal injury, criminal law, intellectual property, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate. With this knowledge, paralegals and legal assistants will join a legal team dedicated to their clients while enjoying a rewarding and challenging career in law. These paralegal courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.
Contact Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today to learn more about becoming a paralegal.