Paralegal Tips

Those individuals with a bachelor?s degree in any discipline can become a paralegal by studying short term paralegal programs. These programs are made available through continuing education programs at various universities. A double major is an ideal choice for those individuals who want specialization in specific non legal fields.

Those persons who want to become paralegals can do online or traditional paralegal courses from various universities and colleges. These persons should check whether the paralegal programs are approved before applying for the course. The approval is obtained from the American Bar Association (ABA).

Paralegals should have sufficient knowledge in online computer searching and other software programs related to law. This helps to perform tasks in a better way, as paralegals most often require computers to do work.

For work to be done in an efficient and successful manner, it is important to prioritize the work. Regular meetings with attorneys can help paralegals to know daily schedules and organize accordingly. This in turn allows paralegals to give information to clients about their cases in a better way.

If any problem is there with files, discuss with attorneys as early as possible and solve the problem or question that arises in your mind. A paralegal can ask his superior to arrange meetings on a weekly basis to know about the work schedules and the work to be done in the following week.

For work being completed, paralegals have to inform the clients about the fee details. Recording work details every now and then can help paralegals to provide correct billing information. While billing, paralegals should have a clear idea about what is important and what is not. He should provide task details in a precise and pleasing manner along with the expenditures. This benefits the clients as well as the paralegals and their supervisors.

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

ABA Approved Paralegal Program

In order for you to qualify with the Certified Legal Assistant Examination (CLEA) so you can eventually be licensed by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), make sure that what you will be taking up is an ABA approved paralegal program. ABA stands for American Bar Association, a prestigious organization of lawyers in the United States.

Athens Technical College Located in Georgia, Athens Technical College is among those that provide ABA approved paralegal program. It is a public institution that has a minimum length of four quarters to finish the course. Athens Technical College classes are both in the morning and evening. With an online preparatory module, its class size is only up to 18 students that highlights on quality instruction in clusters or 1- on- 1. The faculty is composed of licensed attorneys that had an extensive training in law practice and paralegal management.

Burlington County College Located in New Jersey, Burlington County College is among those that provide ABA paralegal program. They have an Associate of Applied Science program that will prepare their students to become efficient legal assistants. Burlington County College also gives its students the chance to shift to the Bachelors degree even in the semester of graduation. It requires the completion of about twelve law- related, two business and seven general education subjects. Provided during evening time, each are taught by practicing attorneys and licensed paralegals.

Cerritos Community College Located in California, Cerritos Community College is among those that provide ABA program. They require a minimum time of two years to finish their program. Cerritos Community College is just twenty minutes away from Los Angeles and Orange County. They have a strong internship program with about thirty- five locations that accept their students be it in law firms, local courts and aid offices. Their two full- time faculty members are legitimate attorneys that have an experience not just in the United States but also abroad.

Denver Career College Located in Colorado, Denver Career College is among those that provide ABA program. It is a private and proprietary school that offers a Post- degree Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Their internship is mandatory which will be able to equip their students with what awaits them outside the four walls of the academe. Denver Career College was founded in 1977 and received the endorsement of the American Bar Association two years after. Their day program can be finished in about six months which consists of the practicum outside with an evening module in eleven months. They also grant assistance projects for their graduates so they can find an initial occupation.

Read More On ABA Approved Paralegal Program

Legal and Paralegal Online Schools

Online Legal and Paralegal Schools, colleges, and universities offer the option of preparing for this profession at times and locations that are convenience to the student. Professional certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees in legal and paralegal programs are available completely through Internet studies!

Online Legal and Paralegal Schools, colleges, and universities train professionals to work under the supervision of lawyers. The Legal and Paralegal professional's responsibilities include many duties, such as drafting motions and subpoenas, reviewing documents, and filing papers with courts, and procedural functions of the Law firm. However, some Legal and Paralegal professionals work independently as freelancers and in private practice, as well as directly under the employment of individual lawyers and legal corporations.

Online Legal and Paralegal training and education can vary widely. Certificates are attained through schooling and passing tests that confirm legal or paralegal skills, understanding, and abilities. Legal and Paralegal Professional Certification is a voluntary process that proves one's skill levels and preparation for entrance into the profession. Legal and Paralegal certificates often increase the possibility of hire and of promotion.

Legal and paralegal practitioners may choose to pursue advanced certificates through associations or agencies that specialize in areas of certification, such as business and commercial law, corporate law, criminal law, real estate, tax and probate, estate planning, intellectual property. However, Legal and Paralegal certification is not required in many states for those who practice their Legal and Paralegal skills.

Online Legal and paralegal Schools, universities and colleges offer complete bachelor degree programs in Legal and Paralegal studies. Two-year courses of study can also be found in accredited community colleges. The increasing trend for law is to respond quickly to the needs and workloads of law firms and the manner in which a firm handles their business.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Legal and Paralegal Schools and other types of 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. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

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.