Paralegals - The World Is Thy Oyster

In spite of ever increasing difficult economic times, there are a few areas of increasing job opportunities. These include paralegals and legal assistants.

Paralegals and legal assistants are actually the individuals who help out the lawyers with much of their easier, "less legal" daily tasks, which leave lawyers more time to work on the "bigger" work. In spite of their ability to carry out various tasks that was once thought to be exclusively for lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants are still explicitly prohibited from carrying out the actual tasks that lawyers do such as setting legal fees, giving legal advice and presenting cases to the court. Legal assistants may be bright but lawyers still have the last say on things and are still considered the authority on legal matters.

Paralegals are now considered to be an increasingly important component in most law offices today and as their value has increased so has competition for their services. As more and more law offices are using paralegals there has been a parallel rise in the skill level and expectations of paralegals.

In the past, most paralegals were trained on the job but as more and more people recognize the great career opportunity that has unfolded before them a whole new paralegal educational training field has been developed.

This has been a nature progression in the evolution of the field. As the demand has grown so has the expectations, as I indicated a little earlier and many firms are no longer interested in hiring a wannabe paralegal but want a fully trained, highly competent paralegal from the first day. As a result, most law firms will now only hire paralegal applicants who have postsecondary paralegal education or university graduates with a certain number of paralegal credits.

Not only are paralegals in great demand within law firms but they're also being pursued by corporate legal departments and various government offices that specialize in different areas of the law.

Another key aspect of a typical paralegals job description includes assisting the lawyers in preparing their cases. This includes: closings, trials, hearings and in some instances high level corporate meetings. A little known fact about paralegals is that they are often the ones given the task of searching for relevant judicial decisions, legal articles as well as any other materials that may be deemed important to the case.

It's extremely important that paralegals understand all the relevant facts about the cases they are assigned to investigate and they are taught to never dismiss any bit of information as irrelevant because it may turn out to be the key bit of information needed to win a case. Another important skill needed to be a good paralegal is a keen eye for detail and the ability to multi-task. Paralegals are given a wide range of duties and they need to be able to move from one task to another when the need arises.

Paralegals are also required, in many offices, to analyze and organize all the research data they've put together into a well written, informative and useful report that their supervising lawyer can reference to help them build their cases.

If you have been thinking about a career in law, starting out as a paralegal or a legal assistant can be a great stepping stone and learning opportunity before taking the next step and a becoming lawyer or even if your aspirations are simply to become and stay a paralegal it's still an exciting career choice. With all the possibilities a paralegal career offers today, the allure is becoming hard to resist for many.

If the allure of a paralegal career is calling you, check out the links below.

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Paralegals and Pearls - A Match Made in Fashion Heaven

Paralegals wear suits to work. Their jobs are professional in nature and it is important to dress appropriately with that sense of that business world. Ladies, carefully consider how you accessorize with jewelry for the office. A legal assistant?s jewelry should be simple yet elegant.

What is the perfect jewelry selection for work? Pearls.

Resting among the oldest and most universal of gems is the pearl, shining in its many splendors. Pearls are symbolic of purity and chastity, the ultimate of feminine charm. Ancient Romans considered pearls a symbol of wealth and social standing. Pearls were also held in high esteem by the Greeks.

Fair maidens during the Dark Ages believed there was magic in the lustrous gems which would protect them from harm. These maidens often graced a favored noble knight with a strand. Knights thus favored would even wear those strands of pearls into battle. The royal courts of Europe were adorned with pearls. At one time, several European countries ordered that only nobility were allowed to wear pearls.

Pearls are available in the entire color spectrum making them easily adaptable to any outfit. Rose' and silver/white pearls better compliment lighter skin tones. Pearls with a creamier hue or gold-tone flatter darker skin tones.

Sharp business fashion is satisfied by stranding pearls in two different ways. The first way combines pearls of the same size and shape. The second option is a necklace of similarly shaped pearls, but graduating in size to the middle of the piece. A tip: wear necklaces no greater than 16-18? in length. This keeps another?s focus automatically pulled upwards, toward the face, which is best for work communication. Another tip for paralegals when wearing pearl necklaces: add just a touch of gloss on your lips. A pearl necklace captures focal point attention, moving upwards, first to the subtle lip shine and upwards again to shining eyes.

Pearls are beautiful jewelry staple for office wear. They are also very adaptable to many occasions in a woman?s life. The petite gems are often a ?rites of passage? gift for young ladies, such as a 16th or 21st birthday. Pearl necklaces can be either store-bought for such gifts, or hold the sentimental value of being handed down family generations.

Pureness is symbolized in weddings by white gowns, white lace?and pearls. The luminescent beads are worn by brides, ladies in the wedding party itself, and mothers of the bride and groom. Female wedding guests may also wear pearls.

Pearls are just as appropriate for other occasions, such as church services, or an evening at the opera. Add a pearl necklace to a social mixer outfit and the outfit is complete. Tiny pearl earrings can be worn anywhere for any occasion.

Pearls are quite literally gems that a woman can infuse into her wardrobe for many occasions in her life. Versatility of color hue makes mixing and matching a breeze. Combined with the pearl?s history of symbolic purity and wealth, what better accessory is there for a paralegal to wear?

A paralegal will greatly benefit from simply adding pearls to her wardrobe. The benefits are both in the sense of appropriate business fashion, and to her as a beautiful woman. A woman?s pearls shine, just like her eyes do, as she succeeds both professionally and personally. If you have not done so already, add pearls to your wardrobe today.

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

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.

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Facts And Insights Of California Paralegal

There are currently no California laws that govern the licensing of California paralegals. But in an effort to standardize more the parameters of a paralegal work from the legal viewpoint, the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) promulgated during the year 2000 legislative session a legislation that aimed to do just that. This legislation was called the Assembly Bill (A.B.) 1761, the pertinent portion of which provides for a definition of the term paralegal.

Strongly promoted as a consumer protection measure, A.B. 1761 was considered to be a dream bill. The reason behind this law on California paralegals is to differentiate traditional paralegals from those who work independent of lawyer or attorney direction.

In order to protect the public from con artists and other disreputable individuals who prey upon unsuspecting persons seeking alternatives to attorney-provided legal services, A.B. 1761 sets forth some stringent measures and restrictions on a paralegal scope of responsibility.

Before the passage of A.B. 1761, the only legislation on California paralegals set forth a few requirements for paralegals who directly serve the public. One of the stipulations provided that such California paralegals could no longer call themselves as paralegals but, instead, must be named legal document assistants (LDAs).

Directives seeking to implement such legislation additionally provide that California paralegals or LDAs must post a bond in each country where they work. Penalties for LDAs who cross over the line into the unauthorized practice of law were also imposed.

With the passage of A.B. 1761 and upon its signing into law as Sections 6450, et. Seq., of the California State Business and Professions Code, more aspects of the field of California paralegal profession are covered.

For instance, California paralegals who violate the laws could face stiff fines and/or jail time. The duties that a California paralegal could perform were also narrowly defined. Other aspects that were directly addressed by A.B. 1761 include the following:

* Continuing Education Programs for California Paralegals to be provided only by either the state bar or by state bar-approved providers * Legal disputes with a California paralegal attorney fees are only awarded to prevailing plaintiff, i.e., a paralegal would never receive attorney fees even if he prevails in court * Educational standards California paralegals are now required to maintain extensive educational and continuing education records

No sooner than six weeks after the Business and Professions Code sections 6450, et seq., went into effect that a new bill was introduced by a Sacramento law firm, seeking to clarify the allowable tasks that a California paralegal may perform. The bill includes the following language: Paralegal means a person who holds him or herself out to be a paralegal, who is qualified by education, training, or work experience.

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History Of The Paralegal Profession

When you find the legal world appealing, you might as well get yourself acquainted with the history of the paralegal profession. It is not that ancient as it only started in the 1970s. However, court cases still need to be handled by a legitimate lawyer who passed the bar examination in order for the whole process to be complete.

You may call the history of the paralegal profession sort of a late bloomer but it was only in the year it begun where there was a great consideration of attorneys needing someone to assist them in their workloads. There were also some corporations who were looking for individuals to do legal typing services and those who are full- pledged lawyers have to carefully think of the impact it will bring to them if they resort to the job description.

Prior to such, plenty of law firms were also training their administrative staff to perform some routinary operations where it was then the dawning of independent paralegal companies. At present, paralegals are under the supervision of a legitimate attorney but they should be knowledgeable in the judicial system so they can properly armorbear their immediate head.

Over the years, there has been a lot of mushrooming private organizations that compose of legal assistants. Below, you will read a brief account of how they were formed.

History of the Paralegal Profession of AAFPE The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE) was established in 1981. It took its roots when the American Bar Association (ABA) hosted the first conference for paralegal professors. AAFPE strives to accomplish the promotion of high criterions for paralegal education, provide a convention for professional improvement, offer technical assistance as well as consultation services, plan research on how to disseminate information on the occupation and cooperate with the American Bar Association as well as other institutions in developing an approval process for paralegal educational curriculums.

History of the Paralegal Profession of MPA The Metrolina Paralegal Association (MPA) was created during the winter between the years of 1980 to 1981. It was by a small group of people who deemed that the paralegal profession was becoming a reality in Charlotte as well as in North Carolina. Their first- ever meeting had the agenda of learning about the novel state association where they also presented a set of bylaws and rules. MPAs chief purpose is to further the continuity of paralegal education. Their original plan was to conduct a minimum of sis academic meetings in an annual basis then they advanced to having a whole- day seminar each year. It was held at the Central Piedmont Community College with the cooperation of the CPCC Paralegal Association.

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What Is An Online Paralegal Associates Degree Actually Worth?

Students who are considering getting an online Associates Degree as a paralegal may be wondering how much it is worth, or how much they will earn upon graduation. In this article I want to go over this, and other issues related to being a paralegal.

While attorneys assume the primary responsibility over their legal work, they often choose to hire paralegals to assist them. The paralegal field is growing at an astonishing rate, and more law firms are in need of paralegals in order to assist them. While paralegals perform many of the functions of lawyers, they are not allowed by law to perform certain duties such as setting fees or giving any legal advice.

This is very good news for students who are considering getting an online degree or certificate as a paralegal. One of the most important tasks a paralegal will learn is how to assist attorneys in preparing for trials and meetings. Paralegals investigate cases and make sure that all relevant facts have been considered.

Paralegals prepare reports, and help prepare documents important to the lawyers they assist. Paralegals may also assist in planning estates and preparing tax forms and documents. The vast majority of paralegals work with law firms, while a smaller number work for government agencies and corporations. Most paralegals work long hours, and are rewarded by the firm with extra time off and bonuses.

An Associates Degree as a paralegal is worth it when you look at the demand for this type of work. Students who choose to become paralegals will find that there are many jobs available, in both large and small cities.

The amount paralegal students will earn upon graduation varies. The salary you can expect to earn will depend on your level of education and location. Paralegals working in large cities for big law firms will earn more than those who work in smaller cities for small firms.

Students can expect to earn between $25,000.00 to $59,000.00 a year as a paralegal. Most earn between these two amounts. Paralegals working for the federal government can expect to earn the most, while those who choose to work for the state government of law firms may earn the least.

Paralegals who work for law firms will receive bonuses, and this will increase their income. While most paralegals work forty hours per week, some only work temporarily. Law firms will hire paralegals during busy seasons, and release them once things have slowed down.

The paralegal field is expected to grow much faster than normal, and will continue to increase for the next eight years. This presents an excellent opportunity for those ready to take online classes. Students have plenty of time to gain the skills necessary to be employed in this field.

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Franchisor Trademarks and Display of Name Issues

Most franchising companies spend millions of dollars on promoting their brand-name. To insure that the brand-name use used correctly throughout the franchise system, the franchisor must specify to each and every franchised outlet how it must be used. Most franchisors discuss this issue at length during the initial franchise training and have large sections with the rules of the trademarks use in the confidential operations manual.

In our franchise company we took it one step further in that we decided to put in a clause in our franchise agreements prior to the commencement of the opening of the franchise and prior to the signing of the franchise agreements, all franchisees understood exactly how serious we were about this particular issue. I designed this clause, which I put into all of our franchise agreements below;

3.11.2 Display of Name

At the times during the term of this Agreement, Franchisee will use the Marks, in a form and manner approved by Franchisor, in all advertising promotions and communications involving the Franchised Business, including telephone yellow pages listings, Websites, signs, banners, business cards, stationary, promotional and advertising materials, forms, contracts and all other materials which identify the Franchised Business. Except as provided in this Agreement, Franchisee will not use or give others permission to use the Service Marks, or any colorable imitation of them, combined with any other words or phrases. Franchisee and their shareholders, officers, agents, partners, members or managers will not form or participate in the formation of any company, firm, corporation, or other entity having a name containing the words of the Service Marks. Franchisee may not combine or associate with any name or symbol of the Service Marks with any other name or word in any advertising or sign. The Service Marks must be used in exact conformity with specifications Franchisor sets in the Confidential Operations Manual.

All uses of the Marks by Franchisee must be prominently displayed and must clearly state that Franchisee is independently owned and operated. In the event that Franchisee is expressly permitted by Section 3.3 to own any business(es) other than the Franchised Business unless such business is also a franchise offered by Franchisor, neither Franchisee nor the personnel engaged in such other business(es) may conduct the same under any of the Marks or color schemes of the Franchised Business, or operate in any manner so as to cause confusion of origin or sponsorship between The Car Wash Guys related services and products and the services or products offered or rendered by such other business(es).

In doing so I insured the proper use of my federal trademark. It is advisable for all franchisors to consider an additional clause in their franchise agreements to address this issue also. Therefore you should talk with a competent franchise attorney on this specific issue. I hope you will consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

Paralegal and Paralegal Certificate

Paralegal or legal assistant is a distinguishable person who assists attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training and experience, legal assistant has knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.

In the United States, there are more than 120,000 paralegals that have received paralegal certificates that do tasks and become vital members of the legal community. Paralegal are either hired by lawyers, law firms, corporations, governmental agency, or other groups of the same manner.

Paralegals, as a legal assistant have limited task. They could mot represent a client in court not give legal advice. They cannot set fee or accept a case. In short paralegals cannot assume the duties that are set for legal officers only.

However, paralegals can perform tasks under the supervision of the attorney. These can be, but not limited to, conducting client interview without bridging the gap between paralegal and attorney. Paralegals can also conduct survey, investigations, and research whether statistical or documentary. Paralegals can also summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony. They can also attend hearings and trial with the attorney. And with legal assistance, paralegals can author and sign correspondence but does not include legal opinions.

But becoming must have a formal education about the profession. The Associate Degree Programs, Bachelor Degree Programs, and Masters Degree Program are some of this. There is also what we can the Certificate Program that is offered to various educational institutions that can be between 16-60 semester units.

Some educational institutions accept student and afterward award paralegal certificates to those who finished at least three semesters in college or 36 units credits. There are also eight courses in legal studies to finish before a paralegal certificate can be given. These are Business Law, Family Law, Introduction to Civil Procedures, Introduction to Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Legal Ethics.

Upon completion of the course, but before the awarding of paralegal certificate, the individual is not yet to be called paralegal, because the paralegal certificate can be obtained by standards set by the American Bar Association. The standard requires completion of the Certified Legal Assistant certifying (CLA) examination of the National Association of Legal Assistants. The school that award paralegal certificate should have American Bar Association approved program of study for legal assistants. The candidate should first graduate from a course of study for legal assistants which is institutionally accredited but not ABA approved, and which requires not less than the equivalent of 60 semester hours of classroom study.

In addition, a paralegal certificate can be obtained he the candidate graduated from a course of study for legal assistants, other than those set forth in (2) and (3) above, plus not less than six months of in-house training as a legal assistant. He or she should also have an attained baccalaureate degree in any field with an "in-house training as a legal assistant" not lower than six months. Achieving all these, paralegal certificate is ready to be given.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free tips everyday. To learn more about her free tips program, and to sign up for her FREE how-to articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit www.TipsEveryDay.com