How Do I Get an Associate's Degree in Law?

An associate's degree in law often is required if you want to become a legal assistant, paralegal or another type of legal professional aside from a lawyer. You often can find degree programs at community colleges, vocational schools and online universities, so your first decision should involve choosing from among the various options. You then need to make sure you meet the requirements for the school you have chosen and, once you are accepted, sign up for the required classes. These typically teach about the laws governing various situations and how to become effective at legal researching and writing.

Your first step should be to consider your options, because a few types of schools usually offer an associate's degree in law. You can check with community colleges and vocational schools within driving distance, because you typically can get a degree in two years when you attend college. If you do not have time to go to classes for two years, you can consider online law programs, which often provide the same type of legal degree as a traditional college, but with a schedule that may be more flexible. This is because you usually can take the classes at any time, without leaving your computer. If you opt to get a degree in law from an online source, then you should find out whether you can complete the program online or if you have to meet at a specific site to take exams or complete requirements such as internships.

Prior to attempting to get an associate's degree in law, you should make sure you meet the requirements. For example, you typically need at least a high school diploma and, if you can show that you are proficient at writing and researching, then you may have a particularly good chance at getting into the school of your choice. In addition, you likely will find that having a computer and Internet connection is at least helpful, if not required, when trying to complete an associate's degree in law. You also are encouraged to find out which books you need before your legal education begins so you are prepared for classes.

Once you choose the format for your education and know that you meet the requirements, you should find out the classes you will have to take to obtain an associate's degree in law. As with many other types of programs, you likely will have to take some general courses to get a well-rounded education. For example, you typically will need to take classes that improve your writing and research skills. Most of the classes, however, likely will focus on the basics of the law, including an introduction to how the justice system works and instruction on how to properly write and file legal documents. In addition, you may be introduced to the laws surrounding taxes, bankruptcy, business and other popular subjects in the legal field.