How To Prepare Yourself For A Paralegal Career Or Advancement

Did you know that these days when professional opportunities are declining, the Paralegal field is blooming with opportunities you can grab with two hands? Yes, opportunities are positively expanding in the paralegal field.

This, obviously, is because the practice of law is expanding necessitating the need for Paralegals. There has never been a better for a Paralegal job. As more and more lawyers graduate so also is the need for Paralegals mounting on a daily basis.

As should be expected, this great need for Paralegals has also brought about the mushrooming of both accredited and none accredited Paralegal schools and institutions, both online and offline.

Therefore, selecting a Paralegal institution, whether online or offline entails some research on your part. What you must know in the first instance is that Paralegal institutions that are worth your trust must be ABA (American Bar Association) approved, belong to National Paralegal Organizations, and have, among other levels of Paralegal courses, a foundation course for beginners in which you will be taught the rudiments of Paralegal concepts following which you can then decide to specialize in areas such as litigation, real estate, estate and will, trust, and corporate law.

If you are desirous of doing a Paralegal course on a part time basis, the online option is advised, because of the following reasons:

1. An online Paralegal course will allow you the convenience of taking the course at your own pace.
2. There is flexibility and the benefit of studying at home using your PC and Internet connection.
3. Fees are paid per course module for most Paralegal online courses.

Obtaining an online paralegal degree will provide you with opportunities for advancing your career or finding new employment opportunities with law firms, the judiciary or the legal departments of organizations and the private sector, give it a thought in 2007.

Neshah writes for your Success. Recommended: Online Paralegal Degree Success blog or Online Paralegal Degree Programs Success, the road maps to successful online paralegal degree programs

Get Your Online Paralegal Education From The Center For Legal Studies

The Center for Legal Studies (CLS) started offering legal training in 1980 and have helped thousands of students from over 1000 colleges and universities across the country. It is one of the oldest and most respected law-related training centers in the country.

CLS offers online training for the following qualifications: Legal Secretary Certificate Course, Paralegal Certificate Course, Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course, Legal Investigation Certificate Course, Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate Course and Law School Preparation Course.

The Paralegal Certificate Course is the foundation on which the CLS syllabus is built. It is a practical paralegal education and is among the top 20 courses in one of the fastest growing occupations.

The Advance Paralegal Certificate course builds on the bases of the first paralegal course. This comprehensive training course was designed to fullfil the standards set by the California Commerce and Professional Code 6450.

The Legal Secretary Certificate is meant to help new and veteran secretaries to be able to perform efficiently in a law office. This training class covers a wide variety of secretarial duties, and also legal aspects, like ethics, terminologies, processes and jurisdiction. The secretarial aspects cover among others records organization, legal research, memoranda preparation, time management and filing procedures.

After completing the Legal Investigation Certificate Course the student will be able to assist attorneys, paralegals, insurance companies and private businesses, as well as state and federal government agencies, in the process of civil and criminal investigation. The course also covers how to create a freelance investigation business.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate Course teaches the students participate in conflict mediation processes. The course covers both traditional and non-traditional dispute resolution options.

As the name suggests the Law School Preparation Course is to prepare students that are interested in going to law school or anyone considering a course in law. Over the last 27 years Professor Scott Hatch, JD, has worked to demystify the study of law. This class will teach you why law studies is different from studying any other discipline.

Ian Callis is a writer and website publisher, including the website called education in vital where you can find information and news about several aspects of education among which the section about online education. Please visit us at educationisvital.com

Want To Upgrade As A Paralegal?

Paralegal Careers are available in law firms and legal departments of both Government agencies and Private Organizations. Schools and institutions in which you can advance or begin your Paralegal training are available both online and off line.

Note that a school offering degrees, training and certificates in Paralegal programs may not be accredited to the national paralegal associations and, the American Bar Association may not have approved such a school.

Do not enrol into a school or institution that has no affiliation with The National Federation of Paralegal Association or approved by the American Bar Association. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations recommends that a person should have a bachelor's degree to practice as a Paralegal, though this recommendation falls short by almost 50% according to a survey conducted recently to check the qualifications of practicing paralegals in the Unites States, employers are sticking to a bachelor?s degree as the basic entry requirement for a paralegal.

This is, no doubt, because the work of a Paralegal entails a commensurate intellectual capacity, just as a lawyer should have, to be able to discharge legal functions either in a law firm or in the legal department of an organization or Government agency.

However, some people who are already working in a paralegal environment may enrol in institutions that offer Paralegal certificates to upgrade their status, but as said earlier, such a person should be a bachelor degree holder.

The paralegal field is vast, so you can choose classes to prepare you for public administration, policy-making, ethics and public responsibility, interviewing and research techniques, writing, introductions to criminal law, commercial law, government law, litigation and management.

To recap, do not enrol in any institution that is not approved by the American Bar Association, most employers will not employ applicants who hold certificates or degrees from such institutions in the United States.

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

Great Career Opportunities For Paralegals

Are you interested in legal work, but not law school? Many people want to a career in law, but not everyone is interested in committing to numerous years in school. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants are one of the fastest growing careers in the legal field.

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.

What do Paralegals Do?
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for cases, trials and meetings. They assist attorneys by analyzing and organizing information, investigate facts, and even prepare written reports. Their duties can also include researching legal documents, finding witnesses, getting affidavits, and tracking case files. In addition, paralegals also draft legal documents and contracts.

Paralegal Facts

? Approximately 70% of paralegals work for law firms. Others work in corporate legal departments and government agencies.
? Most paralegals have at least an associate?s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor?s degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.
? The Bureau of Labor Statistics project that this field will grow faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
? Formally trained paralegals will have the best employment opportunities.

Nearly all paralegals have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree. The most common paralegal programs are associate?s degree programs offered at community colleges or specialized schools. These programs are usually completed in 2 years. There are also certificate programs and online paralegal programs. Another common method of entry to this field for those who already have a college degree is through a program that leads to a certification in paralegal studies.

Financial Rewards of a Paralegal Career
Paralegals earn an average of 39,130 per year. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,040 and $49,950. The top 10 percent earned more than $61,390. Paralegals working for the federal government earned some of the higher salaries.

Mary Hart has been writing about legal degrees online since 2004. Click here to find out more information about how to earn your paralegal degree online.

How Do Paralegals Get Smart?

A paralegal is by nature bright and socially adept. She has mastered language skills, and can artfully feint and parry both verbally and in written form. He is a whiz at multi-tasking. Their deductive reasoning is unparalleled.

What makes paralegals so smart?

? Obviously, individuals can take credit where personal credit is due. Some legal assistants are gifted or quick learners. Others just plain work hard to achieve their goals, their noses to the grindstone.

? The second ingredient is higher education. Nobody ever got hurt by learning more.

? On-the-job experience, i.e., baptism by fire, completes the makeup of a paralegal?s brilliance.

We?ll leave gifted individuality out of the equation for now, although that might make an interesting separate article later. Somebody remind me! Moving right along to higher education: a college education is pretty much considered mandatory these days. An associate?s degree would be the minimum requirement for many jobs, and most career positions demand a bachelor?s degree. Highly specialized training in the fields of law, science and medicine, mean even more years in school.

Depending on how far a paralegal wants to go in his career, he may be able to fly on his own coat tails through an associate?s degree, or two years of higher education. This is particularly true if classes focus specifically on paralegal training. Many two-year paralegal degrees require a number of hours ?shadowing? a paralegal during work, and doing as many tasks as possible under the supervision of an attorney or paralegal. That actually combines bullets two and three, but let?s not get ahead of ourselves!

The last subpart is on-the-job experience. Once you?re to this point, you deserve a pat on the back. You?re hired! Now all you have to do is steadily improve your skills. How does a paralegal improve her skills? By rapt attention to the work of other paralegals, attention to details in general and the files assigned to her, and attending the needs of her assigned attorney. To stay current on changes in law and technology that affect her position as a paralegal, she attends seminars. In the midst of all that attention to attending, or is it attending to attention, he also joins paralegal associations and volunteers on committees.

We must not forget another way paralegals can be smart. Some of them get hired in various positions in a law office, get their degree either in person or by taking online classes, and with those ?gets,? got smart as they worked their way into a great paralegal position. Do you want to ?Get Smart??

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

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 .

Take Advantage Of An Exciting Online Paralegal Degree Program

Online degree programs are like the new technical school. They prepare busy people for the rigors of the work place and provide the knowledge necessary for getting a much better job. Specifically, they offer opportunities in new and budding industries where people have a chance to have a great, long career. Most online universities make their living from working professionals in business who want to gain a degree in order to move up in the corporate world. One different type of degree is gaining popularity, though. The online paralegal degree is one that is relatively painless and affords students an opportunity to work in the legal field. Specifically, this degree is aimed at a person who wants to get there quickly.

The best reason for getting an online paralegal degree is because it will give you an opportunity to jump into a lucrative field. With one of these degrees, you can work immediately as a paralegal or a legal assistant for a big firm or a small firm. With that position, you stand to make a good salary with an opportunity for advancement.

Online paralegal degree programs offer the convenience of quickness, as well. Most online paralegal programs can be completed in around one year, meaning that students can enjoy the fruits of their education much quicker than in the past. These universities have degree programs that will immediately prepare students for the rigors of the legal field. In the program, you will learn the skills of the job and the knowledge to do it right. You will also gain a bit of insight on the work ethic and other responsibilities that are essential to success. By choosing an online paralegal degree program instead of a traditional university, one can gain the skills and expertise to succeed at the job, while skipping the unnecessary courses usually assigned by a traditional program. This degree enables graduates to have a very high job placement when they complete the program.

Another extremely valuable component of this degree program is that it will equip you with a bachelor degree that can lead to many other opportunities. Should you enjoy the legal field after working in it, this degree will give you an opportunity to pursue post-graduate work that will make you even more marketable to big companies. In general, this online paralegal degree is simply a stepping stone to much greater things. While it requires only a year to complete, it affords a lifetime of better living.

Many online universities offer paralegal students the option of combining their degree with another program within the university. Many take advantage of the chance to combine their paralegal degree with something in business. A popular program is the applied management degree program in association with the paralegal training. This specific combination of learning will enable workers to work well with attorneys who work on business law and contract litigation. By gaining even more specialization in a field, workers make themselves doubly marketable to potential employers. With this knowledge, there is a good chance that you can do something that your competitor for a position is unable to do.

Online paralegal degree programs afford students with an opportunity to succeed in a very short period of time. Anyone who has a strong desire to work within the legal field and can put up with about a year?s worth of online classes should consider this challenging and exciting career. This small sacrifice can go a long way to establishing a worker in a growing and very competitive industry.

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

Why is a Paralegal Career 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....

www.paralegalsecretary.bravehost.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 www.mlhlawky.com

Basic Practical Steps On How To Become A Paralegal

The paralegal profession is not for everyone who would want to join it. It is a profession suitable only for those people who are willing to undergo a lot of pressure in their work. Yes, a college degree and decent grades make you qualified to be an entry level paralegal. But the question is: will you survive the job? So if you are one of those who are determined to be in this profession, here are some practical tips on how to become a paralegal:

1. Make sure you really want to be a Paralegal. It is not enough that you find the term paralegal appealing and nice to hear. The work and duties of a paralegal appealing they may be, could also be chaotic as one goes through volumes of paper and documentation most of the day. As a paralegal, majority of your working hours is spent in performing administrative tasks such as filing, retrieving and organizing documents, photocopying and endless numbering of many pages. Definitely a daunting task if one is not trained properly. The expected duties of a paralegal will depend on the legal needs and situation of the employer. There are times that when taking a break from hole punching, you may get to participate in more spectacular task of interviewing witnesses on a certain case. If it still sounds appealing for you then you may continue reading the practical steps on how to become a paralegal.

2. Obtain a paralegal education. Obtaining a paralegal education is the basic foundation on how to become a paralegal. As of today, there are various institutions that offer education programs for those who want to work as a paralegal. The most common programs are Associate Degree Programs, Bachelor Degree Programs, Certificate Programs and Masters Degree Programs. There are also free online programs on how to become a paralegal. In addition, you could also purchase books on how to become a paralegal, usually advertised on the internet

3. Prepare your comprehensive resume and cover letter. The cover letter and resume you would need to apply as paralegals are no different than ones you would use for any job. One should never take for granted the construction of his resume because a resume should reflect ones strength and skills, even personality. For guide, the format of resume must catch the attention of the reader.

4. Find your ideal place of work. . After you have prepared your resume and you think that youre now ready to enter the field of paralegals, give some thought on where you will apply. You could always search the internet for some places of paralegal employment. Once you have a deeper understanding on the different facets of the paralegal world, you are then able to move ahead in the right direction.

Read More On How to become a Paralegal or http://onlineparalegaltraininghomestudy.com

Legal and Paralegal Schools

Interested in law? Legal and paralegal schools educate and train students to become professional legal associates who usually work under the supervision of a lawyer. Legal and paralegal professions include paralegals, legal secretaries; file clerks; and legal aides; consequently, paralegals often work independently in private practices.

Ideally, legal and paralegal school graduates should have attained sufficient comprehension, skills and knowledge prior to entering professions of law. Thus, legal and paralegal training curriculums teach prospective candidates how to provide an array of valuable services such as court filings; the drafting of motions and subpoenas; document reviews; and other legal procedures.

While legal and paralegal schools vary in educational training platforms, and may be subject to individual state recommendations and requirements; exam certifications often accompany successful course completion. Furthermore, legal and paralegal educational coursework usually provides comprehensive educational programs that result in the attainment of a Bachelors or Associates degree; depending on particular discipline.

As a form of continuing education, advanced legal and paralegal certifications are frequently offered through relevant legal agencies and associations, which concentrate in specific areas of the law including business, commercial, corporate, criminal, real estate laws, etc.

If you would like to learn more about legal and paralegal education, feel free to research relevant topics onsite.

C. Bailey-Lloyd is the Public Relations' Director for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Legal and Paralegal Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

Choosing the Right Paralegal Courses

 Paralegals typically have a bachelor?s degree to help them professionally assist lawyers or corporations and government agencies dealing with the law. Paralegals help lawyers navigate the large amounts of paperwork generated in legal proceedings by indexing, photocopying, and filing. Paralegals also may hold hearings or interview witnesses. A job as a paralegal may help a recent college graduate get into law school, it may help a professional make connections and gain experience to enter law, business, or government, or it may be a rewarding career in itself.

In 2001, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) estimated that 84 percent of paralegals had formal paralegal education beyond an associate?s or bachelor?s degree. Numerous courses exist to help paralegals advance their careers.

Before choosing any program, however, the NFPA urges paralegals to critically evaluate the program. Make certain the program is approved by the American Bar Association. The NFPA provides a list, for a small fee, of accredited paralegal training programs. Online directories can also help a paralegal find a program, either online or at a local college or university.

Many of these paralegal programs are also online. A quick search on the Internet reveals several online paralegal courses. Kaplan University, Keiser College, Saint Leo University, the University of Phoenix Online, and Berkeley College all offer online paralegal education programs. Online schools can lead to paralegal certificates, paralegal associate degrees, paralegal bachelor?s degrees, or law certificates. Online courses let paralegals learn, for the most part, at their own pace.

Online introductory courses prepare a paralegal for the legal environment. More advanced studies allow paralegals to learn about management, or specialize in fields like civil litigation, criminal law, or business contracts. Online courses may also boost the career of an experienced paralegal who does not have a bachelor?s degree.

Online courses allow paralegals to learn more and specialize, opening the door to more opportunities for advancement in this rapidly growing field.
 

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