Becoming A Paralegal - What You Need To Know About Legal Executive Jobs

hat Paralegals Do: While they may not be fully qualified solicitors, people in Paralegal jobs often are far more involved in the day to day details of legal cases. Their responsibilities can include preparing legal documents for solicitors and clients. Much of a Paralegal?s time will be spent carrying out research on cases which often includes interviewing clients and witnesses, as well as looking into similar legal cases.

Paralegals also spend a significant proportion of their time monitoring and attending court. As a right hand person to a solicitor they have the responsibility of helping them with the case and dealing with clients queries. The help and advice for clients can take place both in and outside court.

On top of these glamorous aspects of the job, Paralegals are often expected to carry out a wide range of and administrative and clerical responsibilities. Those who have the skills to combine the legal aspects of the job with a strong understanding of administration do really well as Paralegals.

What Skills Do Paralegals Need: Excellent written and spoken communication is vital if you want a Paralegal job. Like many other roles the ability to easily and clearly get your message a across over the phone, in person and via email is at a premium. Similarly the ability to deal with clients and colleagues patiently and with tact is valued highly.

As anyone who has dealt with legal cases will understand, anyone working in a legal job has to be able to take on board and understand complicated information. This is more difficult than it sounds though a systematic organized person should be okay.

Also the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure can often come in handy for any aspiring Paralegals.

What Qualifications Does a Paralegal Need: Anyone thinking of applying for a paralegal job will need some relevant law experience. Often Law Graduates apply for paralegal jobs after graduating from university. Similarly the job often appeals for those qualified with an HNC or HND in Law or Legal Studies. However a lack of an education in law needn?t prevent you from applying. If you have had some relevant law experience you maybe able to apply and study for a paralegal qualification from the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) Paralegal Programmes, or the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.

The job of a paralegal has great prospects and opportunities for a driven individual with a good understanding of the law with a disciplined attitude to organization. So if you fit the bill it?s work tracking a Paralegal job down.

Robert Proctor is part of Legal Week Jobs, a website specialising in jobs in law including gradute, legal secretary, solicitor & paralegal jobshttp://www.legalweek.com/jobs

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Online Paralegal Degree: Learn How To Be A Legal Eagle From Your Own Nest

Online education is rapidly developing. More than ever before, people are earning degrees from the comfort of their home or office. The benefits far outweigh the challenges and costs. Several types of degrees are available online. Those who want a career in law are now turning to online education. An online paralegal degree is one type of degree that is currently available. If you want to enter the legal field, you need to consider this form of education.

The field of law could not function without the assistance of paralegals. They are found in courtrooms, insurance companies, governmental offices, and attorneys' offices. An online paralegal degree allows you to enter a career that offers prestige and a bright future. You also gain an opportunity to affect the lives of others in a positive way.

Each year more lawyers join the workforce. More organizations witness firsthand the benefits of having skilled paralegals on staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of paralegals is projected to grow much faster than average. Employers are trying to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform the tasks that are usually carried out by lawyers.

Instructors with real-world experience teach classes. Now is the best time to move toward an exciting new career. There is no longer a need to sacrifice commitments to work, family, or service to your country. Getting your online paralegal degree means that you can complete the program in an "anytime, anywhere" format. This will fit into your busy schedule.

Before you begin working on an online paralegal degree, however, ask yourself if you have what it takes to undergo online learning. You have heard a lot about online learning, but you still may not be sure if it is the right path for you. The positives are that it is convenient, it offers a quality learning experience, and it is often affordable. The negative is that you will not have the benefit of direct contact with your teacher or with classmates. Nothing can substitute for an authentic classroom environment.

If you believe that you will succeed in a very self-directed environment, you are ready to participate in a course that offers an online paralegal degree. If you know that you will complete assignments as they fit into your weekly schedule, you should pursue this type of education. You will benefit by learning at a pace that works best for you. Remember, though, that regardless of whether you are ahead or behind anyone else in your class, you need to finish assignments within the instructor's timeframe.

You must have strong communication and writing skills if you are going to pursue an online paralegal degree. All of your communication in the course is in written form. You need to feel comfortable getting online and expressing your thoughts using the written word. Make sure that you know your current level of writing and communication skills.

These are some things to consider when thinking of obtaining an online paralegal degree. Even if you did not respond positively to every question, you should still look into this form of education. You will find a number of things to do that will sufficiently prepare you if you feel that online learning is your path to success in the legal field.

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. VC Online provides a career focused Online Paralegal Degree program. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu/site/program.cfm?Program_ID=24 .

How To Obtain A Credible Online Paralegal Certificate

At hand online are paralegal courses and programs into which you can register and at the conclusion of your program be awarded a certificate for paralegal jobs. You can also receive a degree if you choose a four year Paralegal Bachelor degree program. However, you must be careful to make sure that the program you choose is from an ABA approved paralegal institution, because most employers give priority to applicants with certificates or degrees from such institutions for paralegal jobs.

How To Qualify As A Paralegal.

While searching for a reputable institution online for either a degree or a certificate course for your paralegal training, you will come across many schools on the internet. Many of these institutions have programs designed for first entry Paralegals as well as advanced paralegal students.

Your primary objective in obtaining an online paralegal certificate is to be well taught and prepared for an accredited paralegal exam, which if you pass qualifies you as a Paralegal. So explore the offer of online colleges and make comparisons between them. Aside from competitive prices, a methodical program that has the reputation of high graduation rates is what you should look out for.

A paralegal training will consist of lessons teaching how to facilitate attorneys' jobs and how to carry out research on law. Your lessons will also include preparing of cases for the courtroom. Be aware, however, that some of these online institutions place more emphasis on teaching those areas of law that are not relevant to the duties of a paralegal.

Most of the online paralegal programs offer no formal classes, so you can begin as soon as your signup. However, expect to do a large number of homework every week to prepare you for the paralegal exam for your course. At the completion of your course of study, you will be awarded certificate if you are a first entry paralegal student, and a degree if you chose a for year degree program for the award of a paralegal bachelor degree.

Some of the online paralegal programs may offer tuition aid for indigent students, so it will not hurt to look for such schools if you have need for financial assistance. But as said earlier, be sure that such a school runs an ABA approved paralegal degree program. If you course is such that prepared you to acquire the skills of both a legal secretary and an attorney, then you are a hot cake for both legal firms and legal departments of both private organizations and Government departments.

So it is up to you to organize yourself so that you make the best out of your course of study in order to pass out of your course in flying colors, have imbibed crucial thinking and learned by heart all the rudiments of family law, personal law, personal insurance, immigration law and probate law.

Mention must be made that computer skills is a prerequisite in most organizations and firms nowadays, so this must be part of your course. Above all, you can not hope to succeed as a paralegal without the ability to communicate lucidly . Finally, pay attention to the paralegal ethical code , you will be taught that, and you will need it to be able to do your paralegal job without ethical problems.

Neshah writes for your success - visit Online Paralegal Degree Success or Online Paralegal Degree Success Blog for more information and resources before you embark on online a Paralegal course

Paralegals - What Exactly Do They Do?

So, what's a lawyer got that a paralegal does not?

Well, there's that law degree diploma hanging on the wall. And that hefty fee that comes with an office visit.

While there are some limitations to what a paralegal can do, chances are that most of your attorney's work is done by a paralegal, a legal assistant that he or she trusts to know the law and the documents being prepared. Be thankful - the paralegal fee is far less than the fee would be if an attorney were completing your paper work. Don't worry that your legal work is less effective or efficient because it was completed by someone other than your actual attorney. When the attorney puts his or her signature on a document prepared by a paralegal, the lawyer is verifying that the information is correct. It's just as legal - but probably costing you a lot less - to have the paralegal complete your paper work.

There are a lot of duties a paralegal plays in an attorney's office. The paralegal may do legal research and writing for your attorney. A paralegal may even take over as case manager, a situation that many firms are considering if they have not already adopted to help keep legal fees lower and affordable.

There are five things a paralegal cannot do. One, a paralegal cannot give legal advice. Only a licensed attorney should do that. Two, a paralegal cannot develop the attorney-client relationship. It just makes sense - the attorney-client relationship should be between those two people, otherwise it would be called the law firm representative - client relationship. Three, the paralegal cannot sign papers on behalf of the client. Only the attorney can attest his or her name to those legal documents. Four, the paralegal cannot represent a client in court. While many paralegals could probably do so quite well, it just isn't legal. And, five, the paralegal cannot set and collect legal fees. Only the attorney can do that.

Different states have different requirements for paralegals. Some do specifically require certification. Other states allow attorneys hiring the paralegals to judge the person's qualifications. After all, the attorney will be the one signing off on all of the paralegal's work. Some attorneys require a certain amount of legal experience, a background in research or other clerical skills. If you are interested in a career as a paralegal, check with some attorney's offices or law firms in your hometown. See what their qualifications are. If they prefer to hire paralegals with course certificates, ask if they can recommend a school or schools for you to examine.

There are plenty of opportunities to take paralegal courses, even for today's busiest people. In addition to home study courses, there are online courses, and programs of study at two and four year colleges and universities. One method of study is sure to fit your budget and the school of your choice may even have financial aid options available. If you are thinking of a paralegal career - or changing careers to be a paralegal - check out all your options and decide if having a two or four year paralegal certificate will help make you more marketable in the legal world.

Tip - For options in finding the best lender for you, check out the links below.

Visit paralegal progam | paralegal careers or career paralegal for more information on a Paralegal Career.

What is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a person who assists the attorneys in the delivery of legal services. A paralegal is also known as legal assistant. A paralegal should be qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work. Substantive work of paralegal includes recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of legal facts. Paralegal cannot represent a client. Attorneys are responsible for the legal work delegated to paralegals. The attorney is held responsible for ethical violations committed by a paralegal. Paralegals are members of national and local associations and they should follow the ethical codes of those associations.

Paralegals are of great assistance to attorneys in that they help the attorneys to prepare complex cases. They are prohibited from practicing law without license. Paralegals are not allowed to give legal advice. All work performed by the paralegals must be under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals can conduct interviews and maintain general contact with the client. They can locate and interview witnesses and draft legal documents and pleadings. Paralegals can conduct legal research and attend court or administrative hearings and trials with the attorney.

Paralegals generally work with attorneys, judges, prosecutors and public defenders. They also work with corporations, banks, consumer organizations, finance companies, accounting firms, real estate agencies, advertising agencies, engineering firms, government agencies and insurance companies. Paralegal may work as freelancers in private practice. Paralegals can also specialize in special areas such as health care, family law, civil litigation, environmental protection, personal injury and criminal law.

Most of the paralegals would have completed a bachelor?s degree in paralegal studies. A certified paralegal is one who has completed the voluntary certification program of a professional association. The American Association for Paralegal Education, National Association of Paralegals and National Federation of Paralegal Associations conduct different certification programs for paralegals. Paralegal is not a licensed profession in United States.

Paralegal provides detailed information on Paralegal, Paralegal Jobs, Paralegal Schools, Paralegal Training and more. Paralegal is affiliated with Notary Public Supplies

Paralegals Practice Unparalleled Phone Propriety

Your mission, legal assistants, should you decide to accept it, is to handle many of your boss? phone calls. A good legal assistant continually strives to free up the attorney?s time for court appearances, meetings, and more in-depth legal research. After all, this is how an attorney earns his fees. But in order to have fees that can be earned, new work must materialize. The majority of new work for attorneys comes in the form of phone calls. Handle these phone calls wisely.

The ability to filter through types of phone calls and handle as much of the phone work as possible, with finesse, is an excellent skill to develop. A paralegal must be familiar with her boss? schedule, his caseload, his clients, and his particular style in order to filter the phone calls well. She must also be thoroughly familiar with the types of new cases her boss may accept. This includes understanding the office?s standard procedure for inquiries he is either unable to fulfill or too busy to fulfill.

Often new assignments are derived from repeat business - a client who has used your attorney?s services in the past. A paralegal should possess basic knowledge of these return clients, including how to get in touch with clients by mail, phone, fax, and e-mail. Utilize your office?s file management system to keep this information handy. (If your business has no file management system, I urge you to campaign for one as soon as possible.)

One of your duties may be to recall old matter files for a returning client. Many law offices utilize off-site storage for closed files. Depending on the situation, old files may contain valuable information that will assist your attorney in handling new matters.

Sometimes new clients are referred by your boss? colleagues, professional peers, friends and acquaintances. When referrals occur, make note of it so you can prepare a thank you letter from your boss. If this type of appreciation is not standard practice at your firm, discuss the benefits with your attorney. Once approved, do just that, automatically. Do not slack on the newly adopted nicety. Niceties often develop into more business referred your boss? way. In any event, it shows appreciation and is a highly professional touch.

There will also be ?cold callers? who are shopping through advertising resources: phone books, the internet, television advertising. Here is where the true colors of a paralegal come out ? having the ability to ferret which callers are just shopping for free advice over the phone. Some folks will be unable to afford your attorney?s services. For those types of calls, there may be organizations to which you can refer such a caller. Know your community so that you will be able to efficiently refer callers to appropriate help.

Other ?cold calls? may concern cases your boss will accept, but the potential client may need some selling tactics to win their business. Highlight your boss? skills and track record. In the process of doing so, you will also be highlighting your own skills. This makes hiring your boss doubly attractive because you are already establishing good rapport with the new client.

Never forget the importance of professional handling of phone calls. If phone etiquette is lacking, it can actually lose business for your attorney. Support him well by handling phone calls with tiptop professionalism.

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....

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Laura McDonald is a paralegal, employed by Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C. 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.

How To Choose ABA Approved Online Paralegal Degree Programs - Part I

Paralegal Studies institutions approved by ABA (American Bar Association) all have the following characteristics...

Curriculum for Paralegals is usually ABA curriculum tailored towards providing you, after a successful completion of paralegal studies, the skills and opportunities of working as a lawyer's assistant in research, document preparation, client interviews and drafting of legal documents. As a qualified paralegal your services are also required in the legal departments of corporations, firms and organizations.

Another aspect of ABA approved Paralegal program is the pre-law specialization that prepares you for the law school proper.

ABA approved Paralegal institutions offer Associate of Applied Science, Post Degree Certificate, (only those who have already obtained a bachelor or associate degree are qualified). Bachelor of Science degree on Paralegal Studies and Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting are two other programs offered by ABA approved paralegal study institutions.

ABA approved Paralegal institution’s minimum course duration is 1 - 2 academic years and internship is mandatory in most schools.

If you are looking for ABA approved Paralegal Education Program, then the Standing Committee on Paralegals Directory of ABA approved Paralegal Education Programs is where to look.

Some work experience is usually beneficial for an intending paralegal student like you. Courses, depending on the type of institution, can run for between 2 (for community and junior colleges) to 4 years in a University. Aside from the general requirements above, the ABA Standing Committee Directory listing carry varying standard requirements for different instructions in terms of duration of course, course content and admission requirements.

Therefore, you should consider the factors favourable to you while choosing any particular school or institution.

More than 1000 institutions are offering Paralegal degree and certificate programs in the United States of America, but the ABA approved Paralegal institutions can be found at the ABA standing committee Directory of Paralegal schools.ABA approval for Paralegal schools or instructions is not mandatory by law so it is not a measure of the quality of or reputability of an institution that it is ABA approved, yet institutions have found it necessary to get ABA approval by meeting the ABA requirement in order to, I suppose, bluster their image. My advise is that you should go for ABA approved institutions for your paralegal studies.

Online institutions like their offline counterparts are of different categories and as such offer different qualities of course content programs. You should as a matter of fact take a critical look at the institution offering the Paralegal Degree Online program you chose. Carry out your investigation with the information below to ensure that such institution is an ABA approved paralegal degree online program.

INSIGHT INTO ABA ONLINE PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Paralegal degree programs prepares you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in a private law office and even both the public and the private sectors such as banking, insurance, real estate etc. Care must, however, be taken to ensure that a chosen school or online paralegal degree program is approved by the American Bar Association in conjunction with the institution being an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal education (AAFPE) and other relevant regulatory bodies for Paralegal studies.

Concluding Part II will be on this same category soon.

Neshah, a retired paralegal, writes for your success - get free paralegal information and resources at http://online-paralegal-degree.fateback.com