If you have an interest in criminal justice and the law, consider getting a degree or certificate in paralegal studies. You could work as a legal assistant in a law firm or corporation, performing many of the same duties as a lawyer. An increasing number of schools offer distance learning programs in paralegal studies, allowing you to work toward your degree on your own time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of legal assistants will grow by 27% or more through 2014. Median annual earnings of professional legal assistants stood at $39,130 in 2004.