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.

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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.

Use A Paralegal Professional And Save Legal Fees

It is true to say that in the year 2007, the cost of legal aid has become so expensive that it is fast becoming out of the reach of most individuals and small businesses. This introduces significant problems to people and small companies which find themselves in the situation where they need to get expert legal advice. One option is the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach. This approach might work well when remodeling the house or servicing your car, but is fraught with dangers and difficulties when you need to deal with something as complex as the law. Getting it wrong can end up costing you, or your company, a lot of money. It can lead to bankruptcy, or worse still - a conviction and jail term.

Another solution is to use the services of those legal professionals who are not lawyers or attorneys but are still well trained in all aspects of law - the Paralegals. To enter the legal profession, paralegals undergo thorough training, often at law schools and universities, and need to register with various legal authorities who then issue them with a license permitting them to practice.

A common misconception is that you, the prospective client, cannot engage the services of a paralegal directly and need to first consult with lawyers or attorneys. This is just not true. There is nothing stopping you from seeking the assistance of a paralegal in the first instance.

Paralegals can do pretty much everything which attorneys and lawyers do except appearing in court and providing legal opinion. In fact when you engage the services of lawyers or attorneys, the chances are that they will have outsourced much of the research work to a paralegal anyway. Go direct to the paralegal and save!

As in the case of any legal professional consultation, the paralegal will meet with the client to conduct a preliminary interview. At the conclusion of this interview, the paralegal may decide that he/she is not suited to help you and would refer you to an attorney or lawyer for assistance. The very last thing a paralegal wants is to get into a situation where he can be sued by you for negligence. In this case it is best to cut your losses, pay the paralegal fee, and seek expert advice from a lawyer or attorney.

But if the paralegal decides that he can help you, you can be assured of getting expert legal advice for the fraction of the cost of the same advice from the more expensive lawyer or attorney.

Russell Clark is a freelance legal consultant. He owns and operates http://www.paralegal-course.com

Online Paralegal Programs

If you are looking for a career in the legal profession as a paralegal, you can find several online programs offered by recognized universities and colleges. These online certificate programs offer you a widening array of choices that range from those institutions that are just combining online course work into classroom instruction, to those who provide complete degree programs fully in cyberspace.

The course syllabi include legal concepts and practical paralegal techniques; all are applicable to real-world situations. The classes prepare individuals to get ready for court, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and prepare documents. In more specialized programs, students can find out the nuances of criminal defense, bankruptcy, corporate law, or public policy.

Online schools offer associate degrees, bachelor degrees and certificates in paralegal studies. The common degrees are AAS (Associate of Applied Science) in paralegal, BS (Bachelor of Science) in paralegal, and associate of arts degree in paralegal. An AAS degree can be completed in as little as twelve months, and as many as two years. BS degree takes a little longer time, with 180 credits to be studied in a time period of four years or less. A paralegal certificate can be accomplished with twenty-four credits, and can take as little as fourteen months, and as much as eighteen months to complete.

The key advantages of online paralegal programs are no campus attendance, no commuting, and no deadline strain. All their exams are open-book/open notes. You can enroll any time and have affordable, interest-free tuition. Many programs help students use advanced technology with a combination of e-mail, chat rooms, synchronous and asynchronous discussion groups, complimented by textbooks and fieldwork.

By enrolling in paralegal online programs accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), students can assure future employers that they can offer comprehensive assistance in the delivery of legal services. In the United States, several accredited schools offer complete paralegal studies programs online. Among the major schools are Maryland University College in Maryland, Washington Online Learning Institute, Canyon College in Idaho, Kaplan University, and Keiser College eCampus.

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What Do I Need To Take A Online Paralegal Course?

When you choose to take an online paralegal course, it is important to understand the things you will need prior to taking the classes. It is helpful to have an understanding of the field itself.

Paralegals are assistants who carry out some of the duties of lawyers. They are typically highered by law firms or federal agencies, and assist in legal work. When taking an online course, most online programs require you to have at least a high school diploma an equivalent.

A paralegal online course will require students to read extensive amounts of information. When students graduate and begin work in the field, they are also expected to do a lot of research. It is important for you to have comprehensive reading skills when going into this type of online program.

You will need to be able to rapidly process data and understand the information that is presented to you. There are no formal requirements you need to have in order to begin taking online courses other than a high school diploma.

Most of the skills you will need to be employed as a paralegal will be taught to you when you take the course. You will need to have an interest and understanding of the American legal system. You will need to understand how to follow directions, and how to perform procedures.

If you are hands on type of person, taking an online course as a paralegal may not be the best option for you. Paralegals spend long hours pouring over documents or sitting in front of computer screens. This may be difficult for people who like to be more active.

When taking an online paralegal course, it is important to have excellent communication skills. Students who graduate and work in the field will be required to conduct interviews with clients. This requires students to be able to effectively communicate and get their thoughts across.

Paralegals also work with foreclosures and immigration issues. They review foreclosure documents related to all owners and lien holders of the property. When dealing with immigration issues, they communicate information between the clients and lawyers.

It is also important to understand how to prepare documents. This is a skill that students will be taught when taking online paralegal courses. Paralegals also deal with bankruptcies, and will interview clients and prepare documents.

Paralegals also review documents for corporations. To do this one needs to be able to quickly read and comprehend documents. Paralegals also work in collections, drafting documents and sending letters of demand to people who owe debts.

Paralegals also deal with family law, and may accompany lawyers to interviews with clients. Paralegals must be able to identify any legal problems that may arise and obtain background information on the clients. Very few requirements are needed to take online paralegal courses.

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The Role of the Paralegal or Legal Assistant in the Criminal Justice Field

Paralegal or Legal Assistant is an exciting profession in the Criminal Justice field. It is hard to imagine a law office without a paralegal. They can be described as the right hand of the lawyer. In this article I examine the role of the paralegal or legal assistant in the criminal justice field.

The legal assistant as the name suggests is there to assist the lawyer. It is vitally important to know that the paralegal cannot give legal advice or act as a lawyer. What the paralegal does must be under the supervision of a lawyer. The paralegal can do the following under the watchful eye of a lawyer:

1. The paralegal can conduct client interviews. They must identify themselves as paralegals to the client before starting the interview. In this instance, the legal assistant helps the lawyer ascertain the facts of a case by talking to the client. This saves the lawyer valuable time. The lawyer can use that time to work on strategies for the case.

2. The legal assistant can locate and interview witnesses. If you watched the movie Erin Brockovich, you saw Julia Roberts play the role of a paralegal that locates and interviews clients. In one of the scenes, she clearly states that she is not a lawyer. This underlines the point above that paralegals cannot give legal advice. It also underlines the point that they identify themselves as such.

3. Legal assistants can research and prepare legal documents. Paralegals do acquire the training and experience necessary to prepare legal documents. All the lawyer has to do is double check the work to make sure it meets the legal requirements that such document requires. Again, I don’t have to tell what a valuable timesaver this is to a lawyer.

4. The paralegal can attend court trials. In this case, they help the lawyer with the case files. This way the lawyer is not fumbling in court looking for files or evidence. The paralegal is there to keep him or her organized.

I can write more volume on the role of the legal assistant or paralegal in the criminal justice field, but you get the point. It is indeed an exciting profession. Think of all the intriguing things that can be involved in a legal case. As a paralegal, you can be in the middle of it all.Criminal Justice Schools and Degrees. Get free scholarship report and learn to become a Paralegal by visiting.
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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....

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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.