Paralegal How to Get Certified
By Linda Moore
In today's economy everyone is looking for
a way to get the advantage over other job
seekers, looking for a career that is almost
recession proof. Fortunately, there is one
profession that is never going to fade away,
and that is lawyers. While the though of going
to school and becoming a lawyer may not thrill
you, becoming a paralegal might.
A paralegal does work that is delegated to
them by a lawyer that they are working with.
They can do some of the same tasks that a
lawyer can do, but may not have time for.
They cannot however, present a case in court
or give any legal advice of any type. What
paralegals are able to do is, to help the
lawyer prepare for trials, hearings, closings
and meetings.
They help by investigating any facts
that are pertinent to a case and making
sure that the lawyer has any information
that is needed as a case is prepared.
This type of work includes gathering information
regarding laws, judgments or other such
materials that the lawyer might need to
do try a case effectively. They make sure
that the lawyer has every bit of information
with in hands reach.
Paralegal education is generally the
completion of an associates degree from
either a local school or an online paralegal
course. While most paralegal education
will stop after the associates degree
is accomplished, there are some institutions
that offer a bachelors and even a masters
degree in this field.
If you are in the process of deciding
which course to take to become a paralegal,
it is wise to pick a program that is endorsed
by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The ABA endorses approximately 250 of
the more than 600 programs that exist
to train people in the paralegal profession.
Many programs have internships available;
it would be wise to take advantage of
this program. This will allow you to get
a hands on feel for the work that a paralegal
does along side a lawyer. Look, too for
a program that offers job placement, this
shows that they believe in their graduates
and stand behind their knowledge.
After the paralegal studies are completed
and you have your paralegal certificate,
it would be a good idea to pursue certification
from the National Association of Legal
Assistants. Most employers will not require
this; it will make you stand out from
other applicants. The Association has
a set of standards that have been established
for the 2-day course that tells potential
employers that you are indeed a professional.
As with any profession that you are considering,
it is important to do extensive research
before starting the course of study to
become a paralegal. Talk to people in
the position and ask lots of questions.
However, if you choose this path for yourself,
you have the chance to accomplish two
things. One, you will have a positon that
will always be in demand and you will
be able to put your knowledge of the law
to use helping people. Good luck.
Linda Moore writes on a variety of subjects
including family matters,personal enrichment,
becoming a Paralegal
and Project Management as a profession.
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