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The following is by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a paralegal.
Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.
Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelor's and master's degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.
Associate and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.
About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.
The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.
Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.
Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certification from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. The NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum based program offered on the internet.
The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least five years of paralegal experience and meet one of the three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every two years, including the completion 18 hours of continuing education.
In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Association offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association for Legal Professionals offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.
Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.
Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The National Association of Legal Assistants, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.
Advancement. Paralegals usually are given more responsibilities and require less supervision as they gain work experience. Experienced paralegals who work in large law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies may supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff. Advancement opportunities also include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department. However, some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.
For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoThe following is by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a paralegal.
Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.
Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelor's and master's degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.
Associate and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.
About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.
The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.
Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.
Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certification from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. The NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum based program offered on the Internet.
The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least five years of paralegal experience and meet one of the three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every two years, including the completion 18 hours of continuing education.
In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Association offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association for Legal Professionals offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.
Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.
Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The National Association of Legal Assistants, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.
Advancement. Paralegals usually are given more responsibilities and require less supervision as they gain work experience. Experienced paralegals who work in large law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies may supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff. Advancement opportunities also include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department. However, some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.
For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSure. You can study criminal justice if you have a paralegal degree, any other degree, or no degree at all.
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoNo. 2 different jobs altogether.
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Is Criminal justice and a detective the same?
is a criminal justice lawyer and a detective the same thing
Do you have to live in the state that you are getting your criminal justice degree?
i am wondering the same thing. i currently living in a different state, than the one i want to live in and work there. i working on the criminal justice degree too. i was wondering if u could get it. and the move to the state u what to go in.
Does university phoenix online offer criminal justice degrees?
Yes, University of Phoenix does offer degrees in criminal justice. You can take classes at one of the campuses or online. Either way you will end up getting the same degree.
Are profiling and criminal justice the same?
No.
Is law enforcement school the same as criminal justice school?
Criminal justice is the system of practices/institutions that support social control, deter and mitigate crime, and deal with those who commit crime. Law Enforcement is a category of Criminal Justice. Most schools have programs of "Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice," which encompass all the categories in the field, including becoming a police officer, working in corrections or working in the courts. How the degree is granted depends on the major field of study and how the school offers its degrees.
Do cops and criminal justice lawyers learn the same laws?
Of course. The laws are the same for everyone.
Why criminal considered a superstar of the criminal juctice system?
The criminal justice system is a complex system from the moment of arrest to the moment of justice, whether the accused plead or is found guilty, or acquitted. The focus on the criminal justive system is that person-- the accused. So this is why the accused is so-called the Superstar of the justice system: if he wasn't there would be no criminal justice system. This is the same analogy as in medicine: the superstar of medicine is not the doctor, nurse, or technician: it's the patient! It is the patient who either gets better, worse, or dies.
Online Paralegal Courses of Study?
A paralegal does much of what an attorney does. He drafts letters and pleadings, does deposition summaries and interviews clients. Paralegals also negotiate medical liens. In the field of civil litigation, a paralegal writes discovery documents, follows a trial checklist and prepares all pretrial documents. In the field of Workers' Compensation, a paralegal can also represent clients in court in the capacity of a hearing representative.Bachelor's DegreeA Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies can be obtained online. Many four-year state colleges and universities offer this online major. There are a multitude of online private universities that offer this online degree, as well. The benefit of obtaining an online Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies is that, if a paralegal eventually decides to become an attorney, his Bachelor's Degree will provide the easiest transition to law school. All the law school applicant needs is a qualifying score on the LSAT for law school entrance.Associate of Arts DegreeCommunity colleges offer an Associate's Degree of Paralegal Studies online. The largest portion of a paralegal's job is preparing court forms and pleadings. So an online paralegal course of study lends itself perfectly this particular major.Paralegal CertificateA paralegal certificate can be obtained online through a university's extension program or private online school. Usually this involves several very condensed core subjects and two or three areas of legal specialization, such as Probate Law, Civil Litigation or Family Law. In these specialties, the paralegal student undergoes a very intense course of study online.Pros and ConsA paralegal's salary is well under that of an attorney for doing much of the same work. Also, a paralegal must have a good eye for detail because legal filings are replete with dates, statutes and deadlines. A positive for obtaining a paralegal degree online is that it is a good stepping stone to law school. Many law firms will pay a paralegal's law school costs, in exchange for the paralegal's agreement to work for that firm for a set amount of time afterwards.
What degree must a criminal lawyer have?
Juris Doctor ("J.D."), same as any other lawyer.
Is a bachelor's degree in applied science of criminal justice enough to become a Crime Scene Investigator?
I would like to respond to your question so that you don't end up in the same position that I am currently in. First off I would like to say that from my first hand experience you can NOT do much with a bachelor degree in criminal justice. You see I just received my bachelors degree in criminal justice with the understanding that I would be able to work in forensic science. However, almost near the end of my degree I found out on my own that I would not be able to work in forensics with my degree and from some research I found out the exact areas realistically that I could find a job in. You can work in law enforcement, probation, private investigation, corrections, possibly federal government positions with the right qualifications. By the way I still have yet to find a job in my career field or any job for that matter. Hope this helps, sorry to disappoint! I would like to respond to your question so that you don't end up in the same position that I am currently in. First off I would like to say that from my first hand experience you can NOT do much with a bachelor degree in criminal justice. You see I just received my bachelors degree in criminal justice with the understanding that I would be able to work in forensic science. However, almost near the end of my degree I found out on my own that I would not be able to work in forensics with my degree and from some research I found out the exact areas realistically that I could find a job in. You can work in law enforcement, probation, private investigation, corrections, possibly federal government positions with the right qualifications. By the way I still have yet to find a job in my career field or any job for that matter. Hope this helps, sorry to disappoint!
Can you recommend any great paralegal school ?
It depends. Some people train with comprehensive online courses. Other get a 2 year Associate degree, while others even get a 4 year Bachelor's degree. What most attorney's want to know is "can you do the job?" Paralegals make great money. Starting out, the higher your education, the more money you'd be offered. However, even if you started w/ training from an online school or program, after you've worked a few years as a paralegal, your pay will go up substantially anyway. A paralegal with several years of experience vs. a new paralegal with a Bachelor's degree will probably make the same amount of money.
Is Oliver j bell the top man on the Texas board of prisons?
he is chair of the dept. of criminal justice , if that's the same thing .
