As the need for educated professionals in the legal field continues to grow, several campus-based and online schools are adding programs that could help students launch lucrative careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are expected to increase by 28 percent over the next eight years. Despite this rapid growth, BLS analysts anticipate that competition for these positions will be steep.

Consequently, individuals who wish to enter this field may want to consider enrolling in a classroom-based or online college degree program in order to gain an updated and marketable skill set that could impress employers.

A Tacoma, Washington-based school is one of several institutions that have launched new programs to prepare degree candidates for a tight job market. Those who enroll in this or similar courses of study will learn how to interview, gather, review and analyze factual situations, research the law, prepare and interpret legal documents, and conduct legal office operations.

The curriculum is intended to prepare students to succeed in positions at legal offices, state and federal government agencies, corporate legal departments, consumer groups, insurance companies, banks, title companies and legal aid societies.