Now is the Time to Become a Paralegal

 

Are you interested in legal work, but not law school? You might want to consider a paralegal degree. Attorneys are ultimately responsibility for the legal services they provide their clients; paralegals – also known as legal assistants – help attorneys in almost every aspect of their work. Being one of the fastest growing careers nationwide, those with paralegal training will be able to find jobs in every part of the country.

The American Bar Association (ABA) defines the role of a paralegal or legal assistant as an individual that is capable by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

Paralegals provide valuable assistance to attorneys by helping them prepare for closings, hearing, trials and corporate meetings. Paralegals also assist attorneys at trials, draft contracts and agreements, and assist in estate planning. The valuable employees also maintain office financial records, and coordinate the activities of law office employees. Their duties can also include researching legal documents, finding witnesses, getting affidavits, and tracking case files. Depending on where you choose to work, your paralegal duties can vary widely.

The most common paralegal programs are associate’s degree programs offered at community colleges or specialized schools. These are generally 2-year programs. There are also certificate programs and online paralegal programs. Certificate programs are an equally popular paralegal training option. Most certificate programs are intended for students who have an associates or bachelor’s degree. Some certificate programs only call for a high school diploma or GED for admission. Certificate programs are generally completed in several months. There are also a small number of schools that offer 4-year bachelors and/or master’s degrees in paralegal studies.

Paralegal degree and certificate programs usually include courses that introduce students to law and legal research methods. Some students might choose to study a specialized legal area such as probate or real estate. Paralegals in small to medium-size law firms typically carry out duties that require general law comprehension. Paralegals employed by large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, are generally likely to be specialized. The legal assistant/paralegal occupation is expected to grow by 33% during the first 10 years of 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With projections of growth, now is a good time to earn your paralegal degree.

Melissa Steele, College Degrees @ EducationGuys.com

Thinking About Online Paralegal Courses?

 

Thinking about online paralegal courses? You've decided to finally take charge of your career, by returning to school to earn your paralegal degree online. This is a big step and it's important that you research all of your options before committing yourself to an online college or university. Here is a brief guide to help you get started studying for your paralegal degree.

There are many advantages to studying for your degree through distance education, by choosing online paralegal courses. By enrolling in an online course, you can continue to work- and therefore earn- while being a student. There is also the additional benefit of being able to study and attend classes at your leisure, allowing your to work around your work and family schedules.

But where do you begin? With so many colleges advertising their programmes, you may need some help deciding which one is just right for you. There are several online databases, which list the various colleges which offer paralegal certification, like worldwidelearn.com, cyberu.com, elearners.com, geteducated.com.

Once you've decided on the programme from the many available online paralegal courses, it's time to consider securing the funds to begin studying. There are numerous financial aid packages available to those who quality, like Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans. It's important that you meet the application deadlines for these programmes, so make sure that you contact your financial aid advisor, for more information.

It is also important that you verify your college's accreditation. While there are many, many excellent colleges offering outstanding online education, there are those institutions which are nothing more than diploma mills. One of the best ways to ensure that you will be getting your money's worth out of your paralegal training is to conduct some due diligence on your new school. Try to contact some of their students and speak with some of your future instructors, so that you can get a better idea of what you can expect.

Getting your degree is an important step in your professional life and is a decision which shouldn't be made lightly.

Matt Norman is the founder of Easy Distance Learning a website providing information on learning online.

A Paralegal Career is an Excellent Choice

 

A career as a paralegal is an excellent choice. Young people graduating from high school and college should consider becoming a paralegal, legal assistant or legal secretary. There are many reasons to explore legal careers.

Some people use their office staff positions as springboards to become attorneys. They can work during the day and take classes in the evening. While they are working in their springboard positions, they learn on-the-job. They might admit this arrangement, though tough at times, gives them an advantage in law school courses.

A paralegal career certainly does not have to be a springboard to be successful and fulfilling. Legal assistants can enjoy their careers in the long-term. These are solid careers with as much learning and opportunity for advancement as the candidates opt to create for themselves. Some people enjoy their careers in a particular area of law so much they stick with it, be it the very same position or the same type of position. Others take the opportunity to work in different areas. Either way, these careers are filled with learning and new experiences.

Working in a law firm is prestigious. Law firms are comprised of white-collar workers who dress to fit the part, from the managing attorney to the partners, associates, paralegals, legal secretaries, receptionists and clerks. Those hired are very intelligent, or they would not have even made it through the door. This creates refreshingly crisp office communication from friendly jokes and camaraderie during breaks, to stimulating work discussions.

People working in the legal field are particularly aware of political issues and upcoming changes in the law. After all, it affects how they accomplish their jobs. As a paralegal, you’re “in the know” and often reminded of the very principles upon which this nation was built.

Consider the job structure of such a career. More often than not, a paralegal position in a legal department comprises regular work hours. The benefits offered in these positions are competitive in order to hire good employees. Those benefits include vacation and sick time, 401K, and available group health insurance. Lunch breaks are usually one hour. Most law firms or companies with legal departments are situated in downtown hubs that provide variety for dining and shopping. Parking fees are usually paid by the employer.

Many retail store workers get an employee discount when they purchase items sold by their employer. Car salesmen receive bonuses for top sales. In most any type of work position, there are specific perks. As a paralegal, typically one perk is free legal advice.

A legal assistant has access to a wealth of legal information in person and through available written and computerized materials. She can easily prepare her own Will, Living Will and General Power of Attorney. A paralegal might prepare her own real estate documents; this saves money at closing. Family law information and forms are available for divorces, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and adoption.

The ability to prepare one’s own formal paperwork and to discuss strategy regarding personal situations with attorneys, free of charge, is a major benefit. Larger law firms may have a cap on how many hours of free legal advice an employee may request in a year, and smaller ones may have no cap. Free legal advice is a particularly helpful work benefit for our many life chapters. It could actually save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

These are just a few of the reasons to choose a career as a paralegal. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that paralegal positions are on the rise. This is the perfect time to embark on your career course as a paralegal, legal assistant, or legal secretary. Would you like to learn more, and earn more?

Are you fascinated by trials? Do you like helping people? A career as a Paralegal is challenging, rewarding, and NEVER boring. Sign up for free newsletters that show you how to step into this exciting career. Adventures await you....

http://www.paralegalsecretary.com

Laura McDonald is a paralegal. She is a member of NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations). Laura is experienced in the areas of personal injury, civil litigation, family, environmental and corporate law, estate planning and bankruptcy. She works for Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C., located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The firm's website is http://www.mlhlawky.com.

Finding Paralegal Training

 

If your dream is to be a paralegal, you probably already realize that there will be a large amount of paralegal training ahead of you for many years to come. But, the type of training that you get as well as the way you get it can really make a big bit of difference. Anyone looking for paralegal training should take a close look at the opportunities that are available to them on the web.

Yes, paralegal training can be taught online. You can find a great school that offers the courses that you need right on the web. Take classes while you live your life. You can even find great options when it comes to financial aid and scholarships as well. If you are set on being a paralegal and were not sure how you were going to fit it into your schedule, this just might be the right choice for you.

Paralegal training is hard work. It is demanding work. But, all this can be done from home as well. While you may need to go into a local school or organization for on the job training or labs, you will be able to get most of your education taken care of through web training. You can use video conferencing, email, CD ROM’s or even just learn through a book from home. Many of the online colleges offer great set ups to fill your needs and your wants. Paralegal training is only one of many courses that you could be taking on the web.

To find a school that is right for you, simply take a few minutes to check out your options. You can choose from some of the most well known schools or schools that specialize in this type of training. You can choose an online university or a traditional university that provides services on the web. Paralegal training is only a few steps away.

For more information please see http://www.paralegal-training-info.co.uk

Paralegal Online Schools

 

Online Paralegal Schools offer studies and degrees in the many responsibilities of legal assistants, or Paralegals. Paralegals perform many of the time-consuming tasks that lawyers would otherwise perform in legal offices. Paralegals, however, may not practice law, setting legal fees, or give legal advice.

Online Paralegal studies prepare students for assisting lawyers to prepare for hearings, trials, meetings, and closings, investigate case facts and relevant information, identify relevant laws and prior judicial decisions, locate legal articles, and prepare and organize materials for lawyers. A well-trained Paralegal will be prepared to write reports that will determine how to handle a case, prepare arguments, draft pleadings and motions, and assist attorneys in the courtroom proceedings.

The duties of Paralegals can vary widely, depending on the type of organization in which they work. Paralegals in small law firms usually are responsible for a variety of duties that require a general knowledge of the law. Large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, however, are more likely to expect Paralegals to specialize in one aspect of law.

Computer use and technical knowledge has become essential to Paralegal work, requiring studies in software and Internet.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Paralegal Schools, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Paralegal Training from Colleges, Universities, Online Schools, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com.