FIU’s Continuing and Professional Studies hosts graduation for LSI paralegal professionals

Legal Studies Institute graduates ready to fill needs of growing legal profession

Amid an enthusiastic crowd, the division of Continuing and Professional Studies’ (CAPS) Legal Studies Institute (LSI) held its paralegal graduation on Feb. 18 at FIU’s University Park campus. Surrounded by friends and family, the 26 paralegal program graduates stepped up to receive their certificates and join the ranks of more than 1,000 paralegals that have been educated through LSI in its 26 years of serving the community.

“The 2009 graduation represents a “feather in the cap” for students who aspire — and have worked hard to achieve the certificate — to become paralegals,” explains Ana Crucet, director of the Legal Studies Institute.  “Standing tall and proud amongst their fellow graduates, family and paralegal faculty, the graduation is a send-off to new career possibilities and growth.”

Upon graduation, LSI paralegal graduates would be eligible to enter the legal profession as highly qualified paralegals, a high-demand career choice with a very bright future. According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of paralegals is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016 at a much faster average than the average for all occupations. This is due to the fact that employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals. Demand for their services is also expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, health care, international law, elder issues, criminal law and environmental law. The growth of prepaid legal plans will also contribute to the demand for legal services.

To learn more about the paralegal program, or for more information on the Legal Studies Institute, please contact LSI at (305) 348-2491 or visit us at http://www.caps.fiu.edu/legal/.