Paralegal Career - 5 Tips To Determine If It's Right For You

by Kevin Erickson

If watching TV shows like Law and Order or old Ally McBeal re-runs has you thinking you would love a career as a legal assistant, you may want to look into the real world of one before entering the paralegal job market.
Working as a paralegal can be interesting and very rewarding work, but no one should enter the field with delusions of becoming an Erin Brockovitch. Here are some of the qualities a good paralegal should have:

1. You must love research. Not only must you love it, you should be the kind of thinker who can find innovative ways to find facts as you research cases. Maybe your research will require surfing the Internet for days on end, or you may find yourself neck deep in old files at the county courthouse. You may even find yourself searching through old newspaper articles. If you do not like research, find a different career choice.

2. You must be organized. As a paralegal, you are not only organizing cases and files for yourself; you are also organizing them for use by attorneys and other case workers. Having your own system of filing will not work for a successful paralegal. Your organization must be logical and easy for others to follow. Remember, all the research you do could either make or break the client's case.

3. You must work well with limited supervision. If you require a boss standing over your shoulder reminding you that your work is due soon, don't consider a career as a paralegal. For one, the attorney or business person you work for will not have time to be your deadline reminder. And, don't expect that just because your boss says you have two weeks to complete a case file that he or she won't say they absolutely need it two days later.

4. You must work well under pressure. As you gather research about a case, little facts could pop up that change the entire course of your research. If you get frustrated easily, being a paralegal might not be the career choice you should make. An adaptable person succeeds as a legal assistant.

5. You must have good people skills. Just because your job might mean doing a lot of research doesn't mean you won't have vital contact with clients. As a paralegal, you may take statements from clients and help direct their questions and concerns to the attorney. You are their liaison with the lawyer. It's important that you like to help people and can work with a diverse group of people if you work as a legal assistant.

If you have the above qualities, you would probably make a great paralegal. If you have those five qualities, plus having training or certification as a legal assistant, the world will be your oyster. The training will set you apart from all the other people who also have the same qualities. Twenty and 30 years ago, no one had formal training as a legal assistant. All those paralegals are preparing for retirement now and their employers will plan to replace them with a trained professional instead of offering on the job training again.

About the Author
Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: Paralegal | Online Paralegal Degree | Online Paralegal.

How to Choose the Best Online Paralegal School

by Jullie Harvard

Qualified paralegals are always in demands in the fields of legal and government sectors. Paralegal degree has become one of the hot degrees pursued by online students to kick start their career in these fields. In conjunction with the demands, many universities and colleges offer online degree in paralegal that fit into busy schedule of working adults who are interested to advance their career into paralegal fields.
If you choose the paralegal field as your career direction, you are in the right path. The question now is how to choose the best online paralegal school if you plan to earn your degree online, so that your degree carries the most value that can help in your career. Below are some useful tips to help you in making the right decision.

Employers Believe in What's Recognized by Department of Education

If you want your degree to be recognized widely in the job market, then you need to ensure you are getting your online degree from online paralegal school that is recognized by the department of education. The key measurement of this recognition is through accreditation. The department of education has a list of accrediting agencies that are responsible to run the accreditation process onto the online schools and their degree programs. You can easily view this list of accreditation agencies and their accredited schools from CHEA.ORG. What you need to make sure before you sign up any online paralegal degree program is to check and confirm that the school has been accredited by one of these accrediting agency.

School with Paralegal Courses That Meet Your Career Goal

There are different fields in paralegal careers, which one is your choice? The best online school should provide the degree program that is able meet your career goal. Hence, before you even go to search for the best paralegal school, you need to definite your career goal and list down what are the compulsory courses required to satisfy your career goal.

Although there are many paralegal degree programs offered by various prestigious online schools, their courses might be different from one to another and some programs have specialization in a specific field. Hence, in order to earn a degree that best fit your career goal, the best online school of your choice should provide the courses that contains courses that meet the requirements of your career.

Degree Cost That Best Fit Your Financial Affordability

Each school charges different tuition fee on their degree programs. Some schools charge more or less than others, and it is up to you to decide what cost best fits your needs. The most expensive degree program does not mean the best or the less cost degree program not necessary can't meet your career requirement. You must carefully review your short listed paralegal degree programs in term of their courses, study materials, academic supports and other online study tools. Then, compare the degree program's features and benefits with the cost before you make your final decision on the one to enroll in.

Online School That Has Good Reputation

Degrees from a good reputation online school are easily accepted in the job market and favorite by most employers. Before you sign up the degree program from your selected online school, check it's reputation from any online and offline resources.

Summary

Selecting paralegal field as your career path is your right choice and choosing the best online school to pursue your paralegal degree is the most important factors to kick start your paralegal career smoothly after your graduation. Hence, you must put in your time and efforts to choose the best online paralegal school that best fit your career goal.

About the Author
Jullie Harvard is the author of http://www.studykiosk.com an online degree directory that lets you browse online paralegal degrees and other online degree programs offer by accredited online school

Paralegals: Don't Burn Bridges

By Laura McDonald

There’s a new job on the horizon. You get to leave your old job. You know, the one with the boss you can’t stand. The really mean one. The one you’d love to give a piece of your mind. Matter of fact, you think you’ll do just that…before you leave….

It’s perfectly fine to act that one out in fantasy, as many times as delights you. But heed this advice – don’t do it in reality! And here’s why.

Life has a funny way of tossing curve balls our way. That very same ex-boss with whom you shared your parting piece of mind? Suddenly, he’s opposing counsel on a new case your new attorney boss just accepted. Even worse, he could be your attorney’s co-counsel on a case!

Perish the thought, but what if for some unforeseen reason, your new job doesn’t work out? Now you’re scrambling to interview elsewhere. You need a recent recommendation. It’s going to be rather awkward to ask the one who vividly recalls you spouting off as you waltzed out the door.

One certainly doesn’t have to lie when leaving an unpleasant position. “Thank you, Mr. Smith, it’s been great working with you. I couldn’t wait to get to work every day. I’ll miss you.” That’s really piling it on, isn’t it? If that were true, why are you leaving?

If questioned as to why you’re leaving, choose a politically correct comment, such as: “I think my skills are better suited to the new position,” or “The benefits are simply too good to pass up.” Then, go the extra mile. Offer to train your replacement. Ensure the workload you’re leaving is manageable – complete tasks that may be difficult for the new employee to assume. Leave detailed notes regarding ongoing assignments, and an updated list of any deadlines or to-do’s for both your boss and your replacement.

The best way to leave a job, even a job for the boss you really won’t miss, is with style and grace. Never burn bridges. You may have to cross them again!

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.

What Is An Online Paralegal Bachelor's Degree Actually Worth?

By Mansi Aggarwal

Many people who choose to get online degrees as paralegals may be wondering how much they are worth in the job market. Most online colleges allow you to study for your Bachelor's degree as a paralegal. How much will the degree be worth when you graduate?

The employment of paralegals is expected to increase over the next eight years. Many law firms and other agencies want to reduce the costs of their services by hiring paralegals to assist them. Much of the work lawyers do is now carried out by paralegals. Competition for these types of jobs will continue and those who have formal training will have the best opportunities for quality employment.

Because of this, getting a Bachelor's degree from an online college will put students in high demand for employment. The amount that you will earn as a paralegal is dependent upon your education, and where you choose to work.

A student with a Bachelor's degree as a paralegal working in a large city or for the federal government can expect to earn as much as sixty thousand dollars a year. This is over half the income that the average American makes, and is above average.

Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals. Despite this, more banks, corporations, insurance companies, and real estate firms are beginning to hire paralegals as well. This creates a large amount of employment opportunities for those who choose to pursue this type of career.

Paralegals who choose to specialize in areas such as bankruptcy or product liability will also have enormous employment opportunities. More corporations have begun setting up their own legal departments in order to save money. The market for paralegals will grow as large agencies and corporations assign paralegals larger and more important tasks.

People who choose to get degrees, as paralegals do not have to worry about such things as outsourcing, which primarily affects IT jobs. Being employed as a paralegal is stable in the sense that corporations and agencies will want paralegals working inhouse, and will not look overseas for this type of work.

However, paralegals maybe somewhat effected by recessions. Once business cycles decline, some paralegal services such as estate planning and other things maybe in less demand. Some paralegals maybe laid off or have their hours reduced during a recession. At the same time, the number of bankruptcies and other problems will increase, and this will give paralegals good employment opportunities even during a recession.

Despite this, the field of paralegals is expected to expand into the public as well as private sector. Community legal services, which help the poor, or elderly, will look to cut their costs by hiring paralegals. This presents even more employment opportunities for those who wish to pursue this field.

Getting an online Bachelor's degree as a paralegal is worth it, and an excellent investment in your future. It is a field, which is expected to grow for the next decade, and more and more different types of businesses will need paralegals. It is a field, which is protected from outsourcing and only moderately affected during a recession.

Mansi aggarwal recommends that you visit Online Paralegal Bachelor's Degree.

Paralegal Tips

By Kent Pinkerton

Those individuals with a bachelor?s degree in any discipline can become a paralegal by studying short term paralegal programs. These programs are made available through continuing education programs at various universities. A double major is an ideal choice for those individuals who want specialization in specific non legal fields.

Those persons who want to become paralegals can do online or traditional paralegal courses from various universities and colleges. These persons should check whether the paralegal programs are approved before applying for the course. The approval is obtained from the American Bar Association (ABA).

Paralegals should have sufficient knowledge in online computer searching and other software programs related to law. This helps to perform tasks in a better way, as paralegals most often require computers to do work.

For work to be done in an efficient and successful manner, it is important to prioritize the work. Regular meetings with attorneys can help paralegals to know daily schedules and organize accordingly. This in turn allows paralegals to give information to clients about their cases in a better way.

If any problem is there with files, discuss with attorneys as early as possible and solve the problem or question that arises in your mind. A paralegal can ask his superior to arrange meetings on a weekly basis to know about the work schedules and the work to be done in the following week.

For work being completed, paralegals have to inform the clients about the fee details. Recording work details every now and then can help paralegals to provide correct billing information. While billing, paralegals should have a clear idea about what is important and what is not. He should provide task details in a precise and pleasing manner along with the expenditures. This benefits the clients as well as the paralegals and their supervisors.

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Paralegal Salaries

By Kent Pinkerton

Paralegal salaries depend on various factors such as education, training, experience, geographic location and type of the firm. Paralegals who work in large metropolitan areas generally earn more money than those who work in less populated regions. Generally, the annual salary of a paralegal can range from $24,470 to more than $61,150. The median salary of a paralegal is approximately $33,000. Benefits included in the annual salary of a paralegal are health insurance, sick leave, vacation time and retirement plan. Many paralegals receive year end and case bonuses in addition to their annual salary.

There is salary variation in large firms, small legal firms and government agencies. Paralegals working for the government receive higher salaries and benefits. The large law firms pay higher salary to paralegals than the smaller ones. Some of the law firms give higher salaries and benefits to paralegals with specific qualifications. Attorneys generally pay paralegals based on the quantity and quality of their work. Paralegals can get discretionary bonus based on their overall performance. Overtime payment for the paralegals depends on whether the paralegal is an exempt or nonexempt employee. Nonexempt employees can get overtime compensation under the state laws. Regulations for paralegals may vary with each state. This change also affects the annual salary of paralegals.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Legal Assistants, the average annual salary for paralegals in 2004 was $46,862. The average annual bonus was around $3,339. The average total annual salary including bonus was $50,255. The survey highlights that the salaries for paralegals increased by an average of $1,700 per year. The median average salary for a paralegal in Los Angeles is $45,116. In San Francisco, paralegals can expect a beginning salary ranging from $30,000 to $45,000. A senior paralegal in San Francisco can expect a salary of $55,000.

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What Do Paralegals Do?

By Kent Pinkerton

Do you ever wish you could hang out with the crew of Law & Order? Becoming a paralegal is one way to enter the law. It will not be as glamorous as Law & Order, but less glamour does not mean less prestige or satisfaction.

Paralegals make lawyers look prepared. Also known as legal assistants, paralegals may work for a lawyer, but they may also work for a corporation, the government, or any organization that deals with the law. A beginning paralegal will probably spend most of his or her time filing, photocopying, organizing papers and running errands. But paralegals can also do some of the work resembles those exciting crime dramas. Paralegals may help draft legal documents and interview witnesses.

The paralegal profession developed during the 1960s, when people were trained to help lawyers in order to provide legal services to those who could not typically afford them. Paralegals support lawyers and are trained to help law offices run smoothly.

Generally, there are two types of paralegals: litigation and corporate. Litigation paralegals are in charge of documents for trial cases. Most of the routine work that falls to litigation paralegals involves ordering and indexing the huge of amount of paper needed for trials: motions, briefs, depositions, etc. They also interview witnesses, do research, and draft paperwork. Corporate paralegals, on the other hand, spend most of their days organizing the paperwork associated with business dealings. A corporate paralegal, much like a litigation paralegal, makes sure the sets of paperwork are identical, ordering documents, and photocopying them.

The educational background of paralegal will help to determine the type of work he or she will be doing. If, for example, a paralegal took social work classes in college, she may have a better chance of working in a social justice firm or government office firm. Paralegals with some medical knowledge might work for a malpractice lawyer.

Though a paralegal’s work may not always seem exciting, it is an excellent way to enter law, and to see if law might be the right career. College graduates, including recent graduates, in addition to those who have taken classes to become a certified paralegal, all have a good chance at finding a paralegal job. Working as a paralegal may help you get into law school and help you make powerful connections with lawyers, businesspeople, or government officials. Even if becoming a paralegal is not your dream job, it can still make for an excellent entry into the professional world.

Paralegals Info provides detailed information about paralegal jobs, schools, training, courses, certificates, and services. Paralegals Info is the sister site of Notary Public Web.