Paralegal Program in Vermont

Paralegals living in Vermont have a wide range of options as to where they can go to learn the skills needed to become a paralegal. Becoming a paralegal is an especially important job and many that become paralegals continue their education and move into a legal program in pre-law or even continue their studies to become an attorney. In the state of Vermont in 2011, an employment survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that over 500 paralegals are working in Vermont, with the most in the Burlington areas.

One thing is certain, as long as there are businesses and people on earth, there will be a need for legal representation. So corporate America will always need those in the legal profession.

Those that have a passion for a specific career need to do their due diligence before they jump in with both feet. There is no sense in choosing a career if there are no jobs available in that desired career. After all, those that pay for their education need to make sure that they will be able to a living in their career of choice

At time of publishing, there was only one college in Vermont offering a paralegal program; however, Vermont’s prospective paralegals can choose one of the many online certificates and degree programs offered by reputable institutions across the US.

Champlain College

Champlain College offers an undergraduate law major that is perfect for preparing students to go immediately into a career as a paralegal, or to go on to law school and earn their Juris Doctorate. The BA in Law at Champlain emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, with students diving directly into some of the most pressing legal controversies of our time. Students also learn the nitty-gritty of the legal profession, drafting documents, writing court briefs, and earning a grounding in criminal, civil, and constitutional law.

Champlain College is one of the most respected small, private colleges in New England. Champlain is known for its “Upside-Down” curriculum, which has students taking courses in their major from their first year – unlike traditional schools, where students begin with general education courses. Champlain also offers more than 60 online degrees, making it a national leader in distance education.

Program: BA in Law

Earn an Online Paralegal Degree in Vermont

Today, just about every college is offering online courses, making it easier than ever to take part in paralegal programs in Vermont.

Even before our lives were changed by the COVID pandemic, more and more schools were offering online courses. Many of those who are looking to change careers or are recent graduates looking for the perfect career chose to work in the legal field. The natural first step is a paralegal. Often online courses can be taken while working a job or still in school, helping the student to move forward into a paralegal career after they graduate or when they quit a previous position.

Additional benefits include:

Learning essential writing and critical-thinking skills that most employers will require.
Garner the benefits of the civil and criminal courses where students learn advanced analysis, conduct research and writing projects, demonstrate the ability to communicate and apply skills, theory, and legal concepts.
Prep before the CLA/CP exam.
Reimbursement for the fee for the student’s first exam.

After completing courses, students should be ready to take the National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal Exam and become certified paralegals.

As an added incentive, Rasmussen College will reimburse students for the fee for them to take their exams. If students prefer another paralegal program, they can check for other online or “hybrid” options that offer online along with traditional learning options.

How is the Job Market for Paralegals in Vermont?

In the state of Vermont in 2011, an employment survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that over 500 were working in Vermont paralegal jobs, with the most demand occurring in Burlington and the surrounding areas. As of May 2017, that number increased to 670 paralegals employed in the state of Vermont.

Many cite the increase of Vermont paralegal jobs to the fact that many law firms and corporations are hiring paralegals to reduce the work required by a lawyer making it a more affordable option. So, the need for paralegals is looking to increase as they take on tasks previously allocated to attorneys. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 15% increase in job demand between 2016 and 2026.

So those thinking about Vermont paralegal jobs as a possible career, there appears to be plenty of a demand for these services.

How Much Can I Make as a Paralegal in Vermont?

In 2017 most paralegal jobs in Vermont reported salaries of a little over $51,000. In northern Vermont, the average salary goes up to over $58,320. The median wage for paralegals is $53,910. According to the company, experience and skill level, paralegal salaries in Vermont can be as high as $69,000; while those recently out of school way expect a starting salary of about $43,000.

As part of paralegal salaries in Vermont, there are many companies that pay bonuses that can add to the income. Most companies also pay for a variety of benefits, that make the job even more valuable on top of the base salary. These supplemental benefits often include: