Paralegal Job Outlook - Stagnant or Full Steam Ahead?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for paralegals is very good, with an expected growth rate near 33 percent a year through 2010. The bureau notes that compared to other professions, the leap in the paralegal field is dramatic.

The paralegal or legal assistant profession is expected to grow because of a couple of economic factors. One, more law firms are hiring paralegals to do some of the necessary legwork - research and paper work on their behalf. This frees up the attorney for court appearances and for developing client-attorney relationships, two duties a paralegal is not allowed to do. Two, having a paralegal do the work rather than an expensive paid by the hour attorney saves the client money.

Law firms are not the only agencies that hire paralegals or legal assistants. Many corporations, businesses and non profit agencies have also seen the benefit of having a paralegal on staff. If you are considering a career as a legal assistant, keep that in mind and do not narrow your job search only to law firms or private attorneys - unless, of course, your passion is to work for a law office or directly for an attorney.

While the paralegal job market looks great, competition to participate in the paralegal field will be increasingly stiff. With competition growing, the best way to make yourself marketable in the field is to get all the training you possibly can. Once upon a time, legal assistants were trained on the job. There was not professional training other than clerical training that would prepare a person for a career as a paralegal. Many of those paralegals are retiring these days, having been hired in the 1960s or 1970s when the paralegal field really began. Now, the lawyers and firms they have been working for over the last 20 some odd years want their replacements to be trained and ready to work.

Getting training for a career as a legal assistant is convenient, even for those people who have other jobs who want to train in their spare time for a paralegal career. Many community colleges offer paralegal training certification in two year study programs. Some colleges and universities offer paralegal training as part of a four year course of study. Even more opportunities exist online and through correspondence courses. Research all your options and weed out the ones that just don't make sense for you. When you take time to look at all the training possibilities available, you will see that there is course work available to fit your time and budget constraints.

Of course, even with training and certification as a paralegal, you will still have to get in sync with your boss, whether working for an individual attorney, a firm, or as a paralegal in the business sector. Getting to know the expectations of your job and your role as a paralegal in the office in which you work will also play a factor in your success in your career as a legal assistant.

Visit online paralegal training | paralegal training or nfpa for more information on a Paralegal Career.

Paralegals: Don't Burn Bridges

There?s a new job on the horizon. You get to leave your old job. You know, the one with the boss you can?t stand. The really mean one. The one you?d love to give a piece of your mind. Matter of fact, you think you?ll do just that?before you leave?.

It?s perfectly fine to act that one out in fantasy, as many times as delights you. But heed this advice ? don?t do it in reality! And here?s why.

Life has a funny way of tossing curve balls our way. That very same ex-boss with whom you shared your parting piece of mind? Suddenly, he?s opposing counsel on a new case your new attorney boss just accepted. Even worse, he could be your attorney?s co-counsel on a case!

Perish the thought, but what if for some unforeseen reason, your new job doesn?t work out? Now you?re scrambling to interview elsewhere. You need a recent recommendation. It?s going to be rather awkward to ask the one who vividly recalls you spouting off as you waltzed out the door.

One certainly doesn?t have to lie when leaving an unpleasant position. ?Thank you, Mr. Smith, it?s been great working with you. I couldn?t wait to get to work every day. I?ll miss you.? That?s really piling it on, isn?t it? If that were true, why are you leaving?

If questioned as to why you?re leaving, choose a politically correct comment, such as: ?I think my skills are better suited to the new position,? or ?The benefits are simply too good to pass up.? Then, go the extra mile. Offer to train your replacement. Ensure the workload you?re leaving is manageable ? complete tasks that may be difficult for the new employee to assume. Leave detailed notes regarding ongoing assignments, and an updated list of any deadlines or to-do?s for both your boss and your replacement.

The best way to leave a job, even a job for the boss you really won?t miss, is with style and grace. Never burn bridges. You may have to cross them again!

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.

Online Paralegal Degree Preparing You For Employment

In an era when professional opportunities are diminishing, one area where opportunities are certainly expanding is in the field of paralegal work. Consequently, as the practice of law expands, and the need for professional paralegals grows, many argue that there has never been a better time to enter the field of paralegal work. To cater for this growing need for paralegals, a number of nationally accredited online paralegal degree programs have been developed.

Most nationally accredited online paralegal degree programs begin with a Foundation Course, setting out the legal concepts and practical legal techniques that you'll be expected to know and comprehend when the times comes for you to start looking for paralegal work. You'll also be taught how to undertake legal research, conduct interviews of clients and witnesses, and draft documents. But, an online paralegal degree is much more than this. Specially developed Advance Course follow the Foundation Course on which you'll have the chance to hone your online study skills by electing to specialize in key specialty subjects; such as, litigation, real estate, estate and wills, trusts, and corporate law.

With all the added benefits found on all online degree programs, such as (a) convenience to take the course at your own pace; (b) flexibility to complete work within your own time; (c) benefit of not having to live on-campus or commute to the campus; (d) and pay fees as and when you decide to study that module, completing an online paralegal degree course allows you the chance to find new employment opportunities either in the private sector or government sector as most legal employer will know that you are getting all the training needed to ready you for the daily tasks faced in the legal profession!

Today's online paralegal degree programs also offer students the option to study a Bachelor of Science in Management/Applied Management with a Law Office Management Emphasis, preparing you for an entry-level legal management position, or an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program for those looking to undertake employment in a legal environment.

No matter which online paralegal degree program you elect to take however, the fun, joy and benefits of an online paralegal degree program are available for all to enjoy!

Amba is the owner of http://www.on-line--education.com a website that contains all the latest resources and information relating to on-line degrees. Visit http://www.on-line--education.com

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