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Good choice to becoming a paralegal

March 18, 2012

NOW,many people are finding jobs,they want to find jobs with high salary ,and good work place.

it is a good choice to becoming a paralegal,paralegals work with attorneys in the count

Paralegal jobs and their organizations

The job of a paralegal is similar to that of a lawyer. He can do any task of the lawyer. The paralegal generally serves as an assistant of the lawyer but he is not allowed to sign any documents or represent a client in the law of court.

It is not mandatory to acquire a Paralegal certification but at times the depending on the nature of employment, it can be necessary. Paralegal professionals who are certified have more skills and perform various tasks like writing, legal processes and the ability to communicate. In order to obtain a certificate, the job applicant must go through rigorous training and satisfy certain educational requirements.

There are four types of organizations that handle paralegal certifications they are as follow:

1. National Federation of Paralegal Associations

2. National Association of Legal Assistants

3. National Association for Legal Professionals

4. American Alliance of Paralegals

These organizations conduct an examination for certification after the job applicant completes the course.

In order to attend the certification programs, there are certain requirements that need to be achieved:

  • An associate’s degree can be obtained in any institution.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in any course can be obtained.
  • A high school diploma
  • Work experience is necessary.
  • A person must have taken twenty hours of some courses within two years.

When a person obtains the certificate, he must continue his education to make sure that the certification stands out. This imparts the necessary skills in the candidate and he can earn success in the field.

Paralegal Job Description:

A paralegal can perform any duty of the lawyer. He works under him. He is not supposed to serve the clients in the court. This job needs a lot of professionalism as there are many responsibilities given to this professional.

The paralegal can perform tasks like paper work, dealing with marriages and mortgages, divorces, helping attorneys and trusts. The main work of a paralegal is to perform research studies and analyze facts. When he handles these tasks, he can meet the clients and discuss important strategies.

The work of a paralegal is stressful and complete dedication is necessary to perform the duties. Meeting deadlines is very important for him. The paralegal should also be organized.

When a paralegal collects the information, he must analyze it into a report for taking any action. Documentation is also important.

Educational requirements of the Paralegal

A bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree is required to be a Paralegal. A high school diploma can also be helpful to enter this field. Paralegals can attend classes in research and writing. They can also go through internships for getting an experience in the field. Some people can also attend litigation programs. There are courses in areas like criminal procedure, contracts, civil procedure, and intellectual property and probate matters.

Skills required for a Paralegal job

Following are some of the skills required by a paralegal that would enable the professional to complete his work accurately and efficiently:

v      Communication skills are needed for the job.

v      Writing skills.

v      Investigative skills and research skills.

v      Performing multiple tasks.

v      Organizational skills.

v      Working as a part of the team.

v      Paying attention.

v      The ability to handle computers is needed.

v      Critical thinking skills are needed.

v      Organizing files.

v      Writing a correspondence.

v      Arranging schedules.

v      Coordinating events for firm employees.

v      Analyzing evidence.

v      Answering phone calls.

v      Preparing reports.

v      Performing legal research.

v      Maintaining files.

v      Validating information.

v      The ability to work under stress.

v      Assisting the lawyer in the courtroom.

v      Assisting the attorneys.

v      Editing skills are needed.

v      Being methodical.

v      Being professional.

v      The ability to perform paper work.

v      Dealing with deadlines.

Paralegal Certification Programs

No law firm in U.S recruits an individual for the post of legal assistant without completion of certification.  Certification is very much essential as licensure to work as legal assistant. There are many paralegal certification and degree programs which also includes a bachelor’s and associate degree programs. All these certification and degree programs are not approved by American Bar Association and some of the programs are only approved and not accredited. Accreditation is given by U.S department of education.

 

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