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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for paralegals.
Most entrants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and 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 bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.
Associate's and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some taking only a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.
More than 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 not required by many employers, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some schools 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. Training programs usually include 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 a valuable asset in seeking a job after graduation.
Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Some 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 voluntary certification from a professional national or local paralegal organization may offer advantages in the labor market. Many national and local paralegal organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by requiring students to pass an exam. Other organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by meeting certain criteria such as experience and education.
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification that require 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. NALA certification is for a period of five years and 50 hours of continuing education is required for recertification. According to the NALA, as of September 4, 2009, there were 15,652 Certified Paralegals in the United States. 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 5 years of paralegal experience and meet one of three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, including the completion of 18 hours of continuing education.
In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) 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 of Legal Secretaries (NALS) 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 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 NALA, the NFPA, 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 directly below this answer section.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Important factors for success as a paralegal include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication abilities, and a thorough understanding of legal principles and procedures. Paralegals must also possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they assist attorneys in researching and analyzing legal issues. Additionally, maintaining professionalism, ethics, and integrity is crucial in the legal profession.
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Why is it important for a paralegal to understand legal heritage?
It is important for a paralegal to understand legal heritage because all of the new stuff is stemmed from that heritage. This will help them grasp and understand all the aspects of the legal field.
What are example sentences with the word paralegal?
You are not a lawyer. You are just a Paralegal.
The Occupation of Paralegal?
There are many jobs in the legal field. For example, paralegal work can be a good fit for someone interested in the law. Furthermore, a paralegal has many areas of law to choose from. An individual must first figure out what field of law he or she is interested in pursuing. The following contains information for someone looking at an occupation as a paralegal. A paralegal helps a lawyer in many ways. He or she conducts research, checks the accuracy of documents, and organizes the materials included in a case. A paralegal completes other tasks such as assisting a lawyer in finding judicial decisions that may help in a case. Typing documents and keeping records are also tasks of a paralegal. A paralegal completes work that'll assist a lawyer in handling a case in an effective way. A person who is a paralegal has the opportunity to select the type of law he or she wants to work in. For instance, a paralegal may want to work in real estate law or family law. Criminal law, bankruptcy, and personal injury are other areas of the law that paralegals work in. Regardless of the area of law, a paralegal's diligent work is important to the success of a case. People interested in entering the field often earn an associate's degree in a paralegal training program. Alternatively, a person with a Bachelor's degree may choose to earn a paralegal certificate. A beginning paralegal learns a lot on the job as well. An experienced paralegal can share his or her knowledge as well as some of the important details required in the work. Some paralegals are found working in large law firms with a team of lawyers. Other paralegals work in small offices with one lawyer. Therefore, the yearly salary of a paralegal is dependent upon work environment, a paralegal's experience, and level of education. The yearly salary of a paralegal generally begins at around $36,000.00. Of course, an individual must look at the circumstances of each paralegal work situation. Finally, an organized person who is enthusiastic about working with an attorney in a particular field of law should consider a paralegal career.
What are the most important thing that a paralegal does?
Well first of all they are assisstants of lawyers they are what they call jurisdiction
Becoming a Paralegal Online?
The are many ways to earn a paralegal degree. Online paralegal school is the wave of the future. Because so much of a paralegal's job is preparing court documents and briefs, learning to be a paralegal online is an excellent education route to take.Private Paralegal SchoolsIf you decide to go to a private vocational school, you can become a paralegal in a year of condensed study. You will have a paralegal certificate when you are finished and will be qualified to apply for just about any paralegal job. Many programs like this one allow a paralegal student to specialize in two or three areas of the law. In this case, a paralegal will actually know more about the required paperwork in their specialties than almost any attorney. This sort of specialization makes a paralegal's job vitally important to a law firm in one of the paralegal's areas of expertise.Two-Year CollegeThis course of study allows a paralegal to major in paralegal studies at a community college. The student will emerge with an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. The paralegal is eligible to work in a law office as soon as he has his Associates Degree.Four-Year CollegeA paralegal student can major in paralegal studies at a public or private college. At the conclusion of his education, the paralegal will have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies. The paralegal can work for awhile and prove himself in a law office. Later, he may want to arrange his work schedule around law school. If he is already working at a firm, they are likely to be quite flexible with his hours and will probably pay for the paralegal's law school, if he contracts to stay at that firm for a set number of years.BenefitsA paralegal can start at entry level and obtain more education, including law school. A paralegal career is an excellent stepping stone to becoming an attorney. There is a great deal of room for advancement for paralegals.
What important for success destiny or hard work?
what important for success destiny or hard work
Can I get advice on how to become a paralegal?
To become a paralegal you must go to paralegal training. The basics of the legal system are taught.
How do you spell paralegal?
That is the correct spelling of "paralegal" (legal assistant).
How long is a paralegal program certicfication?
A paralegal certification program typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the program's structure and scheduling. However, the length may vary based on the institution offering the program and the student's own pace of study.
How do you say im a paralegal in spanish?
Soy un procurador - I am a paralegal (male). Soy una procuradora - I am a paralegal (female).
Do they offer online classes to become a paralegal?
Yes, many schools and organizations offer online classes to become a paralegal. These programs typically cover topics such as legal research, writing, and ethics, and can help individuals develop the skills needed to work in the legal field. It's important to ensure that the program is accredited and meets the requirements for becoming a paralegal in your desired location.
Is a college degree required to get a paralegal job?
A college degree is not required to get a paralegal job. A paralegal needs plenty of experience. It's also good for the paralegal to take some courses or classes.
