Paralegals: Working in the Law Field Without a Law Degree

Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, do client interviews, assist in hearings and closings, perform legal research, prepare legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions, obtain affidavits and assist during trials.

California Definition:
Paralegal is a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an active members of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060, or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state, that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative agency if that representation is permitted by statute, court rule, or administrative rule or regulation.

Find descriptions from other states at http://www.paralegals.org

Education Requirements:
2 year associates degree in paralegal studies or
4 year bachelor's degree plus paralegal certification

Skills Needed:
Good research abilities, investigative and organizational skills, understanding of legal terminology, knowledge of legal software applications

Certification:
National Federation of Paralegal Associations: www.paralegals.org

Job Opportunities:
70% of paralegals work for private law firms, a small percentage free lance and the rest work for the government

Income:
Starting salaries are $25,000 to $79,000 per year based on education, training, and experience. The average in 2004 was $39,000.
Other salary factors include location and size of the office. The US federal government starts at $59,370 per year.

Resources:
US Department of Labor: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
Paralegal Education: www.aafpe.org
Paralegal Organization: www.paralegals.org
ABA Directory of Accredited Schools: www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/

Find out how you can enter this exciting field at Paralegal Information!

Pat Schraier is a web site designer and owner of Way Out West Products, Inc. Paralegal Resources at Internet University Degrees

Paralegal Online Schools

 

Online Paralegal Schools offer studies and degrees in the many responsibilities of legal assistants, or Paralegals. Paralegals perform many of the time-consuming tasks that lawyers would otherwise perform in legal offices. Paralegals, however, may not practice law, setting legal fees, or give legal advice.

Online Paralegal studies prepare students for assisting lawyers to prepare for hearings, trials, meetings, and closings, investigate case facts and relevant information, identify relevant laws and prior judicial decisions, locate legal articles, and prepare and organize materials for lawyers. A well-trained Paralegal will be prepared to write reports that will determine how to handle a case, prepare arguments, draft pleadings and motions, and assist attorneys in the courtroom proceedings.

The duties of Paralegals can vary widely, depending on the type of organization in which they work. Paralegals in small law firms usually are responsible for a variety of duties that require a general knowledge of the law. Large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, however, are more likely to expect Paralegals to specialize in one aspect of law.

Computer use and technical knowledge has become essential to Paralegal work, requiring studies in software and Internet.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Paralegal 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. Find Paralegal Training from Colleges, Universities, Online Schools, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com.