Legal Services Pathway
Is your student a problem solver? Are they a good listener who works well with others? Perhaps they are able to persuade others to see things from their perspective. Then a career in legal services may be a great fit!
The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Students in the Legal Services Pathway will learn how this vital system links to society in myriad ways. They will discover that careers in this pathway are positions of great responsibility that require adherence to a strict code of ethics.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
Stride Career Prep* uses project-based learning (PBL) curriculum for many courses in this pathway. The curriculum is designed to hone students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. It is taught by experienced professionals and encompasses law, criminology, and so much more!
Our Legal Services Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes that Legal Services Pathway students take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Note: Pathway courses are subject to change.
†New in fall 2022.
Get credentialed.
In a world where competition for jobs, pay increases, and academic success continues to increase, certifications provide a credible, third-party assessment of a student's skills and knowledge of a given subject. Students in this pathway can prepare to take these industry-recognized certification exams:**
Get ahead of the competition.
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working business professionals and entrepreneurs through Nepris.***
Find a School Near You that Offers the Legal Services Pathway.
Stride Career Prep programs with the Legal Services Pathway are available at tuition-free K12-powered, public online schools in the following states:
Don't see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in the Legal Services Pathway. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like the Law Enforcement Services Pathway!
Choose a career. Prepare for the future.
Students in this pathway can prepare for a wide variety of careers in the field of legal services, including:
Sort by category
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. They may investigate and gather facts relevant to a legal case; conduct legal research; organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems; file exhibits, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents with the court; schedule interviews with clients and witnesses; and assist lawyers during trial by handling exhibits or taking notes.
2021 Median Salary
$56,230
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree or paralegal certificate, although many have bachelor's degrees
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 20, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm.
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
Correctional officers oversee people who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.
2021 Median Salary
$47,920
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Declining
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 13, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htmhbls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm.
Court Reporter
Court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings. Reporters primarily work with private law firms and local, state, and government agencies. They may also work with trade associations and non-profits.
2021 Median Salary
$60,380
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 28, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. Most lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices. Some work for federal, local, and state governments. Many lawyers work more than 40 hours a week.
2021 Average Salary
$127,990
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Law degree and pass a state's written bar examination
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 12, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm.
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to become a paralegal?
Paralegals typically have an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. Depending on their career goals, they may wish to pursue a master's degree in legal studies. While not required in all states, many paralegals pursue national- or state-level certifications to set themselves apart from other applicants.
Do you need a college degree to become a court reporter?
Many community colleges and technical institutes offer postsecondary certificate programs for court reporters and simultaneous captioners. These workers typically receive on-the-job training that varies by type of reporting or captioning. Many states require court reporters and simultaneous captioners who work in legal settings to have a state license or a certification from a professional association.
How do you prepare for a career as a lawyer?
A career as a lawyer requires a law degree and passing the state's bar exam. Aspiring lawyers can start preparing for their careers by taking classes that help them become better readers and writers since those skills are critical to most legal jobs. Courses in social science are also helpful since those classes cultivate societal awareness and teach people skills. It's also beneficial to take analytical courses, like philosophy or science, technology, engineering, or math, to help you develop logical reasoning skills that are a fundamental component of the legal profession. Another great way to prepare for a career as a lawyer is to get involved with a speech and debate team or a mock trial team. These activities will help you learn to argue persuasively and develop public speaking skills.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. Some schools offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
