Paralegal Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What does a paralegal do and is it a good profession? My friend said paralegals are just secretaries with an office. But I've also heard that they do attorney work, but can't sign anything or give advice. Hmmm does not make sense. But what is a paralegal and why do you need a four year college degree and a paralegal certificate (6 years of school) to work at a good firm. I'd rather become a lawyer instead.

Answer: A paralegal doesn't need both a four year college degree and paralegal certificate. A paralegal can have a 2-year college degree - Associate's - in paralegal studies. A paralegal can also have a 4 -year college degree in paralegal studies. As the first poster said, it depends on the type of law firm the paralegal works for. At the firms I worked for, the paralegals drafted discovery (requests and responses), made charts (for construction defect cases), and sometimes prepared motions and/or oppositions. This was a law firm with 30-50 attorneys. One would typically gain this type of experience as a paralegal in a smaller law firm.

Question: I am a paralegal living in NJ, does anyone know of any paralegal jobs available for me to work from home? I'm a paralegal with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. I have 6 years experience working as a legal secretary/paralegal and am looking into working from home as a paralegal. If there is anyone out there that knows of any businesses who need paralegals who work from home please let me know.

Answer: Please visit Teleworkrecruiting.com . This website could hook you up with work-at-home jobs. The site's job boards list both specific openings and links to companies -- including some big-name employers .

Question: How do you hire a paralegal? How can a paralegal help you in court? Suggested paralegal can help with preparing case for misdemeanor charges, lawyer might not be needed for case could paralegal help in some way. Curious for more information on this.

Answer: In many states, a paralegal CANNOT legally assist you, the consumer; they may ONLY be employed by attorneys. According to the American Bar Association, "A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience WHO IS EMPLOYED OR RETAINED BY A LAWYER, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." What you need to look for is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) or Legal Document Preparer. These professionals can prepare legal paperwork for you to file with the court if you are representing yourself. Laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check before you hire someone. As an example, California law requires document preparers to register as Legal Document Assistants and to post a bond for the protection of the consumer. Of course, there are always those who do not follow the law and who advertise as "paralegals"; these people prey on the ignorance of the consumer who needs their help and doesn't know any better. These people are illegal operators, and have NOT proven that they meet minimum education/experience, and have NOT posted a bond for your protection. And who wants to trust a "paralegal" who can't even follow the law? In no event can a paralegal provide you with any legal advice, consult on strategy, or represent you in court; that is the unauthorized practice of law. Good luck to you.

Question: What major does paralegal studies fall under? What major does paralegal studies fall under? I am a student at a community college which has paralegal studies but I need to transfer in a year so I have to find schools that offer the major. When I look at the catalogs of other schools though I do not see Paralegal studies on there so what would I have to major in, in order to be a paralegal?

Answer: I am in school for an associates in applied business-Paralegal. I attend the Academy of Court Reporting in Cleveland Ohio. When you transfer you should be able to transfer into a business major. You can transfer into almost anything and most of your class should transfer. Im transfering to Akron next year and majoring in Theater and most only a few of my classes don't transfer.

Question: What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary? I am looking into schooling for paralegals. When I received the information, it was for legal secretary. I thought it was the same thing, until I saw a reference to being an assistant to a paralegal as a job option. What is the difference and is it worth it to go for legal secretary as a career option, as opposed to a paralegal? Thanks!

Answer: a paralegal is allowed to prepare a legal brief but a legal secretary is only allowed to type them. the legal secretary must know the inner workings of running a law office but the paralegal gets to do a lot of the leg work for the lawyers by research.

Question: What is better a paralegal certificate or a degree? Hi, guys! I already have a Bachelor degree and I am trying to decide what to go for next. I want to become a paralegal. I have 3 options: get a post-Bacalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies (4 month in our University); Associate degree or Bachelor degree. The price is pretty much the same for all 3 programs, but the time is a lot less for the Certificate. Does any body hold a certificate like that? Any advise?

Answer: Degree always is better than a certificate, always.

Question: How can I become a paralegal without the proper education? I just completed two bachelor degrees and would like to become a paralegal. I do not want to take a paralegal associates degree and have found that paralegal certificates offered in Arizona are not ABA approved. How can I become a paralegal (or start out at a different position and eventually become a paralegal) without the degree or certificate?

Answer: Chris-I would suggest finding an internship at a law firm or corporate legal department. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, the big law firms may have paralegal programs that would train you. It also depends on what type of law you want to work in. You should be able to find a position in litigation without the certificate since that entails more grunt work.

Question: Do I need a paralegal certificate to be work as a paralegal or is one year of law school sufficient? I have completed a year of law school and I am taking a year off to have a baby. I would like to work as a paralegal. Is it necessary or beneficial for me to obtain a paralegal certificate or is one year of law school enough education to apply for positions? Do firms prefer to hire certified paralegals?

Answer: I am currently attending college to become a paralegal, and the simple answer is no, you don't have to have any special training to become one. You could simply walk into a law firm and become one. There are benefits to having a degree though, whether it be a certificate, A.S. degree, or B.S. degree. Obviously the more training you have, the more money you'll make, and some law firms are very skeptical about hiring someone without any training. Most law firms like to see people who have already worked in the field, but that doesn't mean that some wont hire without experience or training.

Question: How can I find a Paralegal position with a degree and no experience? I have an Associates degree in paralegal and I did a 10 week unpaid internship at a place that wasn't hiring but needed the extra help. I can't find any openings requiring anything less than 3 years experience. I can't do another internship because I have to get money and I currently have a full-time job doing office work. I want to find a paralegal job to make more money and provide more for my two kids. Can anyone help me?

Answer: try sending your resume with a cover letter to local attorneys and law firms. explain why you want to work for them, why you like being a paralegal. try doing internships. join a paralegal association, try to attend their meetings. be a public notary. good luck

Question: Will my Paralegal associate's and work experience count for anything when I move to Israel? I have a Paralegal associate's and 10 years of experience working in legal firms of various kinds. Will it count for anything after aliyah?

Answer: That is the kind of question that needs to be addressed to a professional. Contact the Jewish Agency, it is their job to answer these types of questions. http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Home/Information+Center And best of luck.

Question: What kinds of jobs can I get with a paralegal certificate? Again, this is a Paralegal Certificate and not an AA in Paralegal Studies. I live in FL and I know state laws vary, but generally speaking, with the Paralegal Certificate, would I be able to work as a Paralegal? I want to further my studies to be a criminal attorney down the road, but would like to start off as a Paralegal to build up experience, and reputation...Whats the difference between the certificate and the AA in Paralegal?

Answer: I hope some of this info helps. I am not sure what info you are looking for, butthese links should help you find it. I'm not collegde educated, but from what I understand, a Certificate is vastly different from an AA Degree. As in the feild you are studying. What you have and I am only assuming here, is a general certificate, but an AA Defree means that you would have a specific feild of study within the Paralegal Studies which would further your studies with your chosen feild for becomeing a Criminal Attorney. My suggestion would be for you to see employment with an attorney who is a such and work there. I have included several links to webs sites that mnaybe able to better answer your question as well as a address if you are seeking employment. Associate of Arts (AA) If you wish to continue your education at a four-year college or university, the associate of arts degree may be right for you. While certain courses are recommended, the requirements are essentially the basic courses appropriate for the first two years of many baccalaureate degree programs. The general associate of arts degree does not list a degree major, however we do offer fields of study and areas of concentration. http://www.nhmccd.edu/Templates/Content.aspx?pid=13078 http://www.nefpa.org/job.shtml 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm (visited June 21, 2006). 2National Federation of Paralegal Associations, on the Internet at http://www.paralegals.org (visited June 21, 2006). 3American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals (visited June 21, 2006). www.cia.gov/employment/jobs/paralegal.html - The CIA Careers website has moved! The CIA Careers website has moved permanently to https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html. If you arrived at this page using a bookmark or favorites link, please update it accordingly.https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/paralegal.html Paralegal Work Schedule: Full Time Salary: $44,856 to $70,558 GS-9 to GS-11 Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area The Central Intelligence Agency is seeking Paralegal professionals to provide case management, legal research, case-cite verification, blue book citations and general paralegal support to the Office of General Counsel. Paralegals support legal issues relating to foreign intelligence, counterintelligence activities, and both civil and criminal litigation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum requirements include a Paralegal certificate; a broad range of experience in the legal profession; the ability to research, analyze and organize effectively; Internet (LEXIS-NEXIS and PACER) and legal research skills; PC skills; and strong written and oral communications skills. All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required. To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing. Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing. To Apply: The CIA is an equal opportunity employer, and all interested applicants are encouraged to apply. Please send a resume, paralegal school transcript, legal writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of three legal references to: Administrative Officer Office of General Counsel Central Intelligence Agency Washington, DC 20505 OGC receives hundreds of resumes a month from people desiring to serve their country by participating in our intelligence mission. If you apply for a position with the CIA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) and have not heard from us within 45 days of the date of your application, then we do not currently have an available position commensurate with your skills. We regret that we cannot personally respond to and hire all the fine candidates who wish to work for the CIA Office of General Counsel. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force. http://www.abanet.org/aztopics.html http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/ http://search.abanet.org/search?sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&access=a&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&q=degrees&site=website http://www.abanet.org/legaled/accreditation/acinfo.html

Question: Whats the difference between Paralegal and a Lawyer? Can someone please inform me the difference between a Paralegal and a Lawyer?What can one do that the other can't?

Answer: A lawyer has undergone 3 yrs of excruciating law school (after obtaining a bachelors degree) after which they have to study for and pass their state's bar exam to be admitted into the bar and allowed to practice law in that state. Lawyer's are able to give legal advice and represent client's in all types of legal matters (except small claims court). They generally make very good money but work very long hours in a high stress job. They also can be reprimanded by their state bar for any inappropriate conduct. Paralegals have no formal requirement or license. They can have a specialized degree (certificate program, associates or bachelors) but it is not required. Paralegals are not governed by any organization whereas lawyers are governed by the state bar and american bar association. Paralegals work under direct supervision of an attorney (even paralegals that represent individuals at administrative tribunal proceedings work for a firm where they are under direct supervision of an attorney...don't get confused by the other answers-paralegals cannot solely represent anyone, that would be the unauthorized practice of law). Paralegals perform the legal work that the attorney can't be bothered with (because for attorneys: time = a lot of money). Paralegals generally work cases very closely, have substantial contact with clients, do legal research, prepare legal documents and pleadings, file documents with the appropriate court, and often attend hearings/trials with the attorney. In a nutshell, to be an attorney it is going to cost someone over 7 years and $100,000+ for just the education requirements. Sure they make a lot of money after a few years of practice but the stress level is so high that it is far from a luxurious job. I feel that being a paralegal is the best of both worlds. You don't have to spend a lot of time or money on an education (I only have my associates in paralegal studies) but you still get the rewarding parts, such as helping people in need and a great salary.

Question: What courses should I study in college to be a paralegal or interior designer? I want to be either a paralegal or an interior designer. My cousin majored in art history when she originally wanted to be an interior designer. Then after college she changed her mind and went back to school (night classes) to become the paralegal that she is now. What should I major in to become an interior designer? Art history? What about a paralegal?

Answer: Are you going to try for a straddle there? I mean, they seem to be kind of divergent. Let me see what I can find. Online Paralegal Degrees www.Kaplan.edu Earn your Paralegal Degree Online Approved & Accredited. Enroll Today Paralegal Degree BeckfieldCollege.FindCollege.net Earn Your Associates Degree in Paralegal at Beckfield College! Paralegal Degree Online www.HerzingOnline.edu Earn Your A.S. or B.S. Degree Online Legal Studies or Paralegal. Meredith College : Paralegal : Curriculum The curriculum for the Paralegal Certificate consists of four required courses: three core courses, which all students take, and one specialty course, ... www.meredith.edu/legal/curriculum.htm - 24k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Paralegal Associate Degree Students must take 32 credits of paralegal curriculum courses, and 30 credits of liberal arts courses for a total of 62 credits for the Associate in Science ... depts.inverhills.edu/paralegal/associatedegree.htm - 20k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter University of New Orleans Metropolitan College Professional ... Which courses in the paralegal curriculum did you find least useful? Do you have suggestions for improving the curriculum, such as new courses or other ... training.uno.edu/paralsurvey.htm - 15k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Legal Assistant-Paralegal Associate of Applied Science Degree ... The American Bar Association-approved Legal Assistant/Paralegal curriculum prepares students to assist attorneys, either in private practice or in public ... www.pct.edu/catalog/majors/LA.shtml - 25k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter WCC Paralegal Studies Graduate Survey Satisfaction with WCC Paralegal Curriculum and college. Evaluate the following statements and, then with the drop-down menu, select a number, ... https://webstartrak.sunywcc.edu/webforms/graduate_survey.htm - 35k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Paralegal Program: Curriculum Resources Paralegal Program: Curriculum Resources. Administration of Estates; Civil Litigation 1 ; Computer Applications-Legal; Criminal Law - Paralegal; ... https://matcmadison.edu/marketing/paralegal/curriculum_resources.htm - 67k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Undergraduate Degrees > Paralegal > Curriculum The Champlain College Division of Continuing Professional Studies offers an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. The curriculum is ... www.champlain.edu/cps/undergrad_degrees/paralegal/degrees.php - 16k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Paralegal Curriculum The Paralegal program trains men and women to assume a broad range of responsibilities in an exciting, diverse, and respected profession. ... web.alextech.edu/.../Default2.aspx?pid=1548&pro=302&de=Associate%20in%20Applied%20Science%20Degree - 35k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter St. Charles Community College to offer paralegal curriculum | St ... St. Charles Community College to offer paralegal curriculum from St. Charles County Business Record in Business provided by Find Articles. findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5943/is_200501/ai_n24013809 - 37k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Paralegal Curriculum Entrance Requirements, Online Registration ... Review the entrance requirements for the American Insitute's Paralegal Program. The Online Registration Form for the Paralegal Curriculum is also included. https://secure.aips.com/forms/onlineregistration.html - 23k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Interior Design nterior Design Fact Sheet A suggested curriculum is provided. Other combinations are possible, but the sequence of interior design courses cannot vary from this plan. ... www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/academic/factsheets/hde/intdsgn.shtml - 24k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Curriculum | Interior Design Program | School of Planning, Design ... Curriculum. Undergraduate Program · Graduate Program. Interior Design Program, Michigan State University. 101 Human Ecology East Lansing, MI 48824 ... www.spdc.msu.edu/id/Curriculum.html - 14k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter College of Design-Curriculum in Interior Design: Iowa State ... Consideration for admission into the Interior Design curriculum requires completion of 29.5 credits, including the following courses: Dsn S 102, Dsn S 131, ... www.iastate.edu/~catalog/2005-07/curric/d-interior.html - 21k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Iowa State University Interior Design Curriculum Curriculum in Interior Design Administered by the Department of Art and Design. Leading to the bachelor of fine arts degree. Total credits required for ... www.iastate.edu/~catalog/2003-05/curric/d-interior.htm - 25k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter INTERIOR DESIGN CURRICULUM 2 year AAS Degree INTERIOR DESIGN CURRICULUM 2 year AAS Degree. Revised March 29, 2007 MAT 060, MAT 070 , ENG 080, RED 080, ENG 095, ENG 095A ... www.halifaxcc.edu/StudntRe/IntDes/intdecur.htm - 63k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter College of Visual and Performing Arts : Interior Design Curriculum Industrial and Interaction Design · Interior Design · Curriculum ... Principles of Interior Design, 3. - Interior Design - Graphics, 3. - Design Odyssey, 3 ... vpa.syr.edu/index.cfm/page/interior-design-curriculum - 78k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter VCUQ Curriculum Interior Design Curriculum. Year 1 Introduction to the University Drawing Fundamentals Survey of World Art Design Fundamentals ... www.qatar.vcu.edu/output/page208.asp - 8k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter MUW - Department of Art and Design - Curriculum Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Studio Art (which includes drawing, ... in the major will also fulfill requirements for the University core curriculum. ... www.muw.edu/fine_arts/Curriculum.htm - 25k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Western Carolina University - Interior Design Curriculum Our rigorous curriculum will allow you to learn and experience the discipline of interior design both inside and outside the classroom environment. ... www.wcu.edu/3338.asp - 26k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter Moore College Of Art And Design : BFA Programs > Majors > Interior ... Curriculum. Curriculum · Courses ... Interior Design III, IV. Environmental Theory. History of Interiors I, II. Materials & Construction III, Lighting ... www.moore.edu/index.cfm/nodeID/de339d3b-8091-4c10-bb87-a700ed38631b/fuseaction/content.page - 42k - Cached - Similar pages - Filter

Question: What is the difference between a paralegal with a certicate versus a paralegal with a two yr. degree? I am two classes away from AA- Political Science, and I want to take a home study course to get a certificate in paralegal which takes almost a yr. to complete. So, basically what would be an advantage to have a two yr. paralegal degree vs my two yr. political science degree and certificate of paralegal?

Answer: With an AA in Political Science, it wouldn't pay to get a 2nd Associate's degree. You can complete a paralegal certificate program in less time than taking a 2nd Associate's program (most post-associate's degree certificates are about 1 year part-time, less if you go full-time). You probably would be better off with paralegal training in a classroom, so you can network and do hands-on legal research. Whatever you choose, be careful to investigate the program by talking with working paralegals in your area - there are some terrible paralegal programs. You can waste a lot of time and money if you end up in one of them.

Question: What's the difference between paralegal certificate and decree? Can anybody help me? I recently received my certificate and I am wandering if it is enough to start own business as paralegal? I don't really have a full idea about this system in the USA. I am only here since 3 years & I am still confused about this matter. Thanks for your time to answer me.

Answer: You are aware you cannot work as an independent paralegal doing legal work (papers) without having an attorney as a sponsor right? You do have an attorney to sponsor you? You have the very idea that many of us had when we received our paralegal certification. Sorry. No attorney rep? Get ready to face some serious legal trouble if someone reports you for screwing up there papers.

Question: What law says that a paralegal must work under an attorney? What law says that i MUST hire an attorney to do what a qualfied paralegal can do. (and Has-- and never lost)

Answer: The first two responses include almost all of the significant details. Another post added the concept of UPL--the unauthorized practice of law. I think it was unfair to give the first respondent a "thumbs down," as she mentioned the ABA Model Rules. True, the ABA is a private association, and as such does not make laws; however, the ABA is a powerful and influential group to whom the state and federal judiciaries look for guidance on law and policy governing the practice of law. In fact, many states have incorporated the Model Rules into their rules governing the practice of law; all of the states have based their regulations heavily upon ABA recommended guidelines. While it has been said that paralegals often know more about the substantive areas of law in which they work than do their attorney bosses, there are few (I believe 4, but don't quote me) states that will allow even a person who has not attended law school to sit for the bar exam, let alone to practice law. The real question is, what constitutes the practice of law? Since each state in the U.S. is a sovereign, each state is free to make its own rules and regulations governing just about every area of life and work. Essentially, the only requirement is that where state and federal law disagree, federal law controls. This is obviously most important where the federal government has been granted certain jurisdiction or control over an area or where a constitutional right is in question. Most state rules regarding governance of legal practice differ, but on this particular issue all agree: only licensed attorneys may practice law. Again, the question remains: what exactly constitutes the practice of law? The ABA rules are broad and vague and have been interpreted differently by many of the states; however, in general, what has been defined as "the practice of law" may be briefly summarized: 1) a non-lawyer may not accept clients 2) a non-lawyer may not set fees 3) a non-lawyer may not provide "legal advice" to a client 4) a non-lawyer may not "split fees" with an attorney. These rules are generally enforced through legislation in each state; however, paralegals have gained significant support regarding their activities in recent years. As a result, paralegals are performing more and more of the work that attorneys traditionally performed in the past, and they are being well-paid for their efforts. Some states allow paralegals more freedom to "represent" clients than others. Generally, this "representation" is limited to administrative areas of the law. I know of no state that allows paralegals to represent clients in a traditional civil or criminal judicial proceeding. In summary, there are areas in which paralegals may work without direct supervision by attorneys; however, they must ALWAYS reveal their non-lawyer status. Tradition and the powerful lobby of the ABA essentially control (although they do not legislate) the licensing of attorneys. They have strong incentive to maintain this control. Over time, we will see paralegals performing even broader functions in the legal field, and we may also see mandatory licensure, or at least certification, for all paralegals as a result. That said, we will likely never see the day when paralegals officially are allowed to "practice" law as defined by the ABA and state legislation. If you want to represent clients in court and provide legal advice, become an attorney; otherwise, you are skating on thin ice.