PARALEGAL
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal assists lawyers by handling certain aspects of a case, such as researching, drafting, and writing reports.
What does a paralegal do?
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings by doing research, writing reports, taking notes, organizing exhibits and other documents, filing, and drafting documents.
What education do you need to be a paralegal?
You need at least an associate’s degree to be a paralegal. Paralegal education can also include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as well as a paralegal certificate.
What is the median salary for a paralegal?
The median salary for a paralegal in 2013 was $47,570/year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow 17% from 2012-2022.
A day in the life of a paralegal:
A paralegal can work on an entire case or just part of one, if the law firm is big enough. In many ways, paralegals are like lawyers. They might draft a contract, take notes at a meeting, and research previous cases to help a lawyer with a current case. Paralegals are not allowed to practice law or to give legal advice. Paralegals spend a lot of time filing and preparing documents, as well as doing research. Paralegals can work in any type of law setting, from big corporate firms to small practices to government agencies. Paralegals also continue their education with web-based programs and conventions as well as publications.
According to Tracey Young, former president of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations: “In a competitive job market, candidates can set themselves apart by becoming credentialed after completing their formal education. By successfully passing a voluntary certification exam such as the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam, candidates demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the essential skills and concepts necessary to effectively work as a paralegal.” She also advises those new to the business to “join a local paralegal association to network and get an inside track on employment opportunities, and to volunteer for pro bono opportunities with the paralegal association or bar association to get practical experience.”
(taken from US News & World Report:
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/paralegal)
Other sources:
For more info:
http://www.nala.org/Default.aspx
http://www.paralegals.org/
A paralegal assists lawyers by handling certain aspects of a case, such as researching, drafting, and writing reports.
What does a paralegal do?
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings by doing research, writing reports, taking notes, organizing exhibits and other documents, filing, and drafting documents.
What education do you need to be a paralegal?
You need at least an associate’s degree to be a paralegal. Paralegal education can also include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as well as a paralegal certificate.
What is the median salary for a paralegal?
The median salary for a paralegal in 2013 was $47,570/year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow 17% from 2012-2022.
A day in the life of a paralegal:
A paralegal can work on an entire case or just part of one, if the law firm is big enough. In many ways, paralegals are like lawyers. They might draft a contract, take notes at a meeting, and research previous cases to help a lawyer with a current case. Paralegals are not allowed to practice law or to give legal advice. Paralegals spend a lot of time filing and preparing documents, as well as doing research. Paralegals can work in any type of law setting, from big corporate firms to small practices to government agencies. Paralegals also continue their education with web-based programs and conventions as well as publications.
According to Tracey Young, former president of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations: “In a competitive job market, candidates can set themselves apart by becoming credentialed after completing their formal education. By successfully passing a voluntary certification exam such as the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam, candidates demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the essential skills and concepts necessary to effectively work as a paralegal.” She also advises those new to the business to “join a local paralegal association to network and get an inside track on employment opportunities, and to volunteer for pro bono opportunities with the paralegal association or bar association to get practical experience.”
(taken from US News & World Report:
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/paralegal)
Other sources:
- http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-1
- http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.aspx?cid=105
For more info:
http://www.nala.org/Default.aspx
http://www.paralegals.org/