Paralegals |
Who Are Paralegals?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Paralegals Do? Those who complete formal paralegal training are certified to draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements and may establish trust funds and estates, as well as analyze and organize written reports in determining how cases should be handled. Paralegals work with lawyers to identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and investigate relevant information and facts for cases. Office duties involve coordinating other law office employees and maintaining financial records. Paralegals work in numerous areas of the law, including litigation, personal injury, corporate, family, labor, and criminal law, as well as employee benefits, intellectual property, bankruptcy, immigration, and real estate. Paralegal Training Paralegal training is most often obtained through a community college paralegal program leading to an Associates degree. Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects, but individuals who have already obtained a college degree may receive paralegal certification. The quality of paralegal schools and training varies, with the more quality paralegal programs offering internships or job placement services. Paralegal training programs which assist students in setting up an internship are helpful for gaining practical experience by working for a private law firm, public defender or attorney general, corporate legal department, legal aid organizations, or even banks and government agencies. Internship experience is an asset in obtaining a job, as is experience in another field such as technical experience if working in tax preparation or health administration if working in personal injury law practices. Paralegal Certification Paralegal Certificate programs vary significantly and most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for those who already hold college degrees, while others take only months to complete. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) standards for certification include a combination of education and experience. Paralegals fulfilling 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. Paralegals seeking through the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP), The National Federation of Paralegal Association Registered Paralegal (RP) and The National Association for Legal Professionals Professional Paralegal (PP) certification complete an exam and various hours of continued paralegal education training for recertification. Paralegal Job Prospects Paralegal job openings arise as people leave the occupation and employment growth varies. In times of recession, demand declines for some legal services such as estate planning, wills, or real estate transactions but may increase in legal assistance positions such as bankruptcy, foreclosures, and divorces. Experienced and trained paralegals may have the best job opportunities. In that paralegals provide many of the same legal services as lawyers at a lower cost, they tend to fare somewhat better in difficult economic conditions. Paralegal Job Security and Salary Paralegal jobs attract many applicants thus there is high competition for jobs. More job demand arises for paralegals that specialize in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice, or product liability. According to the Bureau of Labor, full-time wage-and-salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings (including bonuses) of $43 K. Many paralegals receive bonuses as compensation for sometimes having to work long hours. Paralegals may also receive vacation, paid sick leave, a 401 savings plan, life insurance, personal paid time off, dental insurance, and reimbursement for continuing legal education. Paralegals hold secure jobs and the ability to establish solid career futures. |