With the rapid increase in legal fees, the paralegal field has been a high growth area. Increasingly, employers are looking for those with training either from a paralegal institute or from a college or university. In setting up the paralegal program, MTSU contacted a number of area attorneys. Lawyers generally indicated that they preferred to employ individuals who hold bachelor's degrees. Paralegals work as assistants to lawyers.
Paralegals are especially active in research and investigations.
They may also be entrusted with routinized legal tasks that can be pursued under the supervision of an attorney. Most states, Tnenessee included, prohibit paralegals from practicing law independently. Paralegals, like other students, do best in the discipline that most interests them. Paralegals frequently choose Pre-Law, Political Science, Criminal Justice Administration, English, computer studies, or business. Majors in other disciplines might be especially appropriate to students who want to work in a law firm with a specialized interest.