Paralegal

paralCharnice Jones
Strategies for Success-117M
Individual Work 1
Paralegals are there to assist licensed attorneys with research, get information organized and put together arguments. Reports are often done that summarize the cases, which cite past decisions, articles and precedents all of which can help their client’s case. Paralegals may have the task of drafting contracts, for mortgages and separation agreements. To be successful in this field you need to have tons of endurance and patience, like to do repetitive tasks/routines, meticulous, well organized, read non-fiction, writing love to do things right and more. A paralegal is something like a lawyer, they just don’t have the legal authority to give advice to the clients or others or represent them.

Typically there are four forms of education that is accepted for training/educations, they consist of having an Associate degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or a Certificate as a paralegal. Those that have passed the competency exams which are available by the four associations that are represented are given preference for employment in law firms. The four associations are The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) which requires different combinations of education and experience for those that are seeking certification. There is another option for earning CEUs is NALA's live educational programs; they consist of an annual convention educational program which is offered every July and a certified paralegal short course. The course gives a rigorous review for those wanting to maintain a certified paralegal.

The hours for a paralegal can seem endless so they see often get bonuses, especially when there is a case that is one and the paralegal(s) are involved. Paralegals can get vacation time that is paid, sick time, as well as 401K, health insurance and other incentives. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) stated in May 2008, the minimum annual income for   paralegals/legal...