With all the paperwork, filing and research that go into each court case, lawyers need more than just a secretary; they need a paralegal. Paralegals offer important legal assistance to busy attorneys that help bridge the gap between the law office and the courtroom.
It is the job of the paralegal to conduct the necessary research, fill out legal documents, and keep clients up to date on each case the lawyer is involved in. Most of a paralegal’s work is done “behind the scenes” but ask any attorney and he or she will tell you that they wouldn’t be able to practice law without one.
Education
A paralegal degree program will prepare you for a career as a legal assistant, legal administrator, or paralegal. Though not as rigorous as law school, it covers much of the same ground as a law degree does.
There are many online colleges and universities that offer a degree in this field. Earning your degree online will allow you to study without jeopardizing your home or work situation.
Most of the paralegal degree programs will focus on legal documentation, drafting, and writing, in addition to legal processes and administrative studies. To do well in this type of program, it’s important that you have a strong grasp of the legal system and the concepts it is built on, so you will also study legal history. Many courses will also be geared toward computers and law, so using a computer is essential to completing any coursework you may have.
Career
It is essential that you be able to handle a high level of stress and work well under pressure if you want to become a paralegal. Paralegals typically work on several cases at one time, so you must be able to conduct research and do fact checking , help the lawyer prepare for meetings, hearings, and trials, fill out legal documents, contact and interview witnesses, and help build the argument that will be presented in court for each.
You may also be responsible for filing legal documentation with court clerks; these can include pleadings, wills, divorce papers, and marriage certificates. This part of your job will require the ability to meet deadlines and staying on top of everything to keep every detail in order.
If you choose to work in a law firm that specializes in property and real estate, you may need to be able to appraise assets and property, act as a go-between for clients selling property and those purchasing it. You will likely draw up the paperwork necessary for transactions to go through and mediate negotiations between clients.
You will likely be asked to continue your education throughout your career as the law constantly changes and you will need to stay abreast of these changes in order to do your job effectively.
Paralegals typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually; this will depend on the law firm you work for, your education, and your experience.
Wed, May 5, 2010
Degrees, Education, Higher Education, Online Education