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 .

Christmas: Should a Paralegal Buy Gifts for Co-workers?

With Christmas peeking around the corner, it?s time for paralegals to start thinking about their shopping list for office gifts. Bigger law firms may adopt the Secret Santa method. Names of participants are written on strips of paper and dropped in a hat. Each person draws one name and shops for that lucky recipient. Typically a spending limit is set. This method may cut down on how many people are on your gift list. A word of advice, if you participate in a Secret Santa drawing, do everyone a favor by adhering to the spending limit. There?s nothing more irritating than one or two people getting awesome, expensive gifts while others who followed the rules sit there feeling oddly embarrassed that they DID follow the rules.

That said, yes, you should buy gifts for your attorney, secretary, other paralegals, and most especially support staff ? the receptionist and clerks whose help is oh-so-necessary.

You do not have to spend an arm and a leg to show your yuletide appreciation for co-workers. If you have an inside track on types of things those on your list would like, great. If you don?t, this list may be helpful.

1. Baked goods (homemade or store bought)
2. Bath and body products
3. A paperweight
4. Gift certificate (to a restaurant, mall or movie theater)
5. Pen set
6. Lapel pin
7. Scarf
8. Chocolates
9. Plant
10. Gloves
11. Potpourri
12. Candles
13. Ornament
14. Stress ball
15. Photo frame
16. Coffee cup warmer

To cover bigger groups likes clerks/runners, your best bet is baked goods. Prepare the goodies on a festive plate and wrap with red or green cellophane. Finish with a ribbon.

Gifts for your boss ? do not choose gifts that are too personal. It is inappropriate particularly if your boss is of the opposite sex. However, if you are aware of a hobby or pastime that your boss enjoys, you can find something that compliments it.

Gaily wrapped packaging makes a ?small? gift more special. Take time to attractively wrap and beribbon your office gifts.

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.

Career As A Paralegal

The paralegal profession is currently experiencing a great deal of growth and prosperity. With the average USA annual salary averaging around $34,000 for local and state work, nearly double that for Federal Government work, and much more in the private sector, it?s no wonder this career field is growing. Let?s take a look at just a few reasons why a career as a paralegal is so rewarding.

Challenging Work

Attorneys pass much of their workload along to paralegals, also known as legal assistants. However, paralegals may not perform all of an attorney tasks, these tasks include setting legal fees, giving out legal advice, and presenting court cases. But they may play a role in virtually everything else.

Case preparation is part of a paralegals workload. Paralegals often help lawyers with background information and research, legal history, case studies, fact-finding investigations, document preparation and analysis, plea documents, folder, record and file handling. The work they perform is often involved with hearings, trials, closing comments, and corporate functions.

Jobs are available for paralegals in many types of companies and organizations. They work with employee benefits, labor law, criminal law, corporate law, government (at all levels), real estate and bankruptcy. And you?ll find them working in personal injury law and litigation as well.

Career Tidbits

The following list includes a few pieces of interesting information concerning paralegals:

- Paralegals usually work year round, although temporary paralegal work is available. Although 40 hours is average, heavy workloads are a possibility. Work isn?t always at the office; paralegals need to work in libraries and often travel in order to gather relevant information.

- In 2004, there were 224,000 paralegal jobs, with private practices employing roughly 7 out of 10 of them.

- Job opportunities for paralegals are expected to climb at a faster than average rate through the year 2014.

There?s no better time to check into being a paralegal than now!

All Rights Reserved. Visit Paralegal Career to learn more about a career as a paralegal.

Paralegal How to Get Certified

In today's economy everyone is looking for a way to get the advantage over other job seekers, looking for a career that is almost recession proof. Fortunately, there is one profession that is never going to fade away, and that is lawyers. While the though of going to school and becoming a lawyer may not thrill you, becoming a paralegal might.

A paralegal does work that is delegated to them by a lawyer that they are working with. They can do some of the same tasks that a lawyer can do, but may not have time for. They cannot however, present a case in court or give any legal advice of any type. What paralegals are able to do is, to help the lawyer prepare for trials, hearings, closings and meetings.

They help by investigating any facts that are pertinent to a case and making sure that the lawyer has any information that is needed as a case is prepared. This type of work includes gathering information regarding laws, judgments or other such materials that the lawyer might need to do try a case effectively. They make sure that the lawyer has every bit of information with in hands reach.

Paralegal education is generally the completion of an associates degree from either a local school or an online paralegal course. While most paralegal education will stop after the associates degree is accomplished, there are some institutions that offer a bachelors and even a masters degree in this field.

If you are in the process of deciding which course to take to become a paralegal, it is wise to pick a program that is endorsed by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA endorses approximately 250 of the more than 600 programs that exist to train people in the paralegal profession.

Many programs have internships available; it would be wise to take advantage of this program. This will allow you to get a hands on feel for the work that a paralegal does along side a lawyer. Look, too for a program that offers job placement, this shows that they believe in their graduates and stand behind their knowledge.

After the paralegal studies are completed and you have your paralegal certificate, it would be a good idea to pursue certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants. Most employers will not require this; it will make you stand out from other applicants. The Association has a set of standards that have been established for the 2-day course that tells potential employers that you are indeed a professional.

As with any profession that you are considering, it is important to do extensive research before starting the course of study to become a paralegal. Talk to people in the position and ask lots of questions. However, if you choose this path for yourself, you have the chance to accomplish two things. One, you will have a positon that will always be in demand and you will be able to put your knowledge of the law to use helping people. Good luck.

Linda Moore writes on a variety of subjects including family matters,personal enrichment, becoming a Paralegal and Project Management as a profession