Category: Blog

Regulation of Paralegals

The only state that currently regulates paralegals directly is California, which adopted regulation in 2000 that requires persons using the titles “paralegal,” “legal assistant,” and the like to meet certain educational/experiential qualifications and to meet continuing education requirements. For details, see the law at California Business and Professions Code, Sections 6450 through 6456.

In 2012 the  Washington State Supreme Court issued an order adopting the “Limited License Legal Technician” Rule to conduct limited practice in only specified areas of law upon meeting certain educational/experiential qualifications as well as continuing legal education requirements. For details, see Rule 28 of the Admission and Practice Rules, and Rules of Professional Conduct.

In 2018, the Utah State Supreme Court launched the “Licensed Paralegal Practitioner” to conduct limited practice in only specified areas of law upon meeting certain educational/experiential qualifications as well as continuing legal education requirments. For details, see rule 14-802 of the Rules Governing the Utah State Bar, and Rules Governing Licensed Paralegal Practitioner 15-703.

Paralegal Certification

Certification is a process by which a non-governmental agency or association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or association. It usually involves passing an examination drawn up by the sponsoring organization and meeting specified educational and/or experiential requirements. The American Bar Association does not certify Paralegals. Paralegals may not represent themselves as “ABA-certified paralegals,” because the ABA’s approval applies to the paralegal education program rather than to the individual paralegal.

Presently, there is no mandatory certification examination for paralegals anywhere in the United States. However, the certification issue has been a subject of considerable interest and debate for the past several years among paralegal associations, bar associations and some legislatures. For a variety of reasons, some of these organizations support certification while others are opposed to it.

The National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA – The Paralegal Association), headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, began sponsoring a certification examination (Certified Legal Assistant) in 1975, which is now known as the Certificate Paralegal (CP®).  NALA also offers advanced specialty exams (APC®). For information on the exam, eligibility requirements, and more, please visit NALA’s web site.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA™), formed in 1974, offers the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE®) to become a Registered Paralegal (RP™) and the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE™). For more information on exam, eligibility requirements, and more, please visit NFPA’s web site.

NALS. . .the association for legal professionals, has been sponsoring voluntary certification for over four decades which include an Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), Certified Legal Professional (CLP) or Professional Paralegal (PP).  For information on the exams, eligibility requirements, and more, please visit NALS’ website.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (ACCP). For information on eligibility requirements and more, please visit AAPI’s website.

Financial Aid and Career Services

The American Bar Association does not provide financial assistance to individuals interested in enrolling in paralegal education programs. Inquiries pertaining to financial aid, such as scholarships, loans, and grants, should be directed to the program director or financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend. Also, the American Bar Association does not provide placement or career services assistance to paralegals, nor does it maintain lists of law firms or other agencies that employ paralegals.

Paralegal Educational Programs

At the present time the American Bar Association has identified more than 1000 institutions across the United States which offer formal paralegal education programs leading to either a degree or certificate. However, the listing in our web site directory includes only the paralegal education programs that are ABA approved.

Programs are offered by two-year community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and business and proprietary schools, some of which are freestanding institutions devoted solely to providing this type of training. Since entry into the paralegal field is open to a wide range of individuals with diverse educational backgrounds and previous work experiences, the length of programs and their admission requirements vary considerably from one institution to another.

A candidate’s personal qualifications for admission into a paralegal education program are very important. Applicants must be able to write clearly and communicate effectively and must possess a high degree of motivation and analytical reasoning capability. Candidates should also be responsible, mature individuals who are sincerely interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal.

Prospective students should be informed that paralegal education is not the equivalent of a law school education. Graduates of paralegal programs are not qualified or eligible to take the bar examination. Academic credit for paralegal courses is not transferable for advanced standing in law school.

Additional information on paralegal education is available from the American Association for Paralegal Education. Please visit AAfPE’s web site.

Brief descriptions of the most common types of paralegal education programs available follow:

Associate Degree Programs

Two-year associate degree programs are offered by comprehensive community colleges and some four-year degree-granting institutions. Although a substantial majority of community colleges have an open-door admissions policy, many of the paralegal education programs offered have adopted more selective admission criteria for entry into paralegal studies. Paralegal programs require a considerable amount of study and outside class assignments, and are necessarily taught at a sophisticated level. Additional screening methods which may be utilized include test scores on college-level entrance examinations, special verbal aptitude tests, writing samples, letters of recommendation and personal interviews. The curriculum in an associate degree program consists of a combination of general education, electives and legal specialty courses. The legal specialty courses are selected by educational administrators and faculty members in consultation with members of the legal community. Trends, needs, and changes in the local legal community therefore affect course requirements in legal specialty areas. Ordinarily, an associate degree program provides students with the requisite skills to perform in the legal environment as generalists. Students receive instruction in several different legal specialty areas. Legal specialty courses commonly offered in such programs are legal research and writing, introduction to paralegalism and law, contracts, torts and insurance, business law, estate planning and probate, corporate law, litigation, criminal law, family law, real estate and legal technology. Paralegal programs in community colleges may lead to an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science Degree. A growing number of community colleges offer a certificate option for four-year college or university graduates.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

A number of colleges and universities have developed four-year baccalaureate degree programs with a major or minor in paralegal studies. Curriculum requirements include general education, electives, and legal specialty courses. The four-year program normally encompasses both generalist and specialist courses. The generalist courses are similar to the offerings in an associate degree program. Usually the courses taken during the last two years of the program are more in-depth and advanced and allow a student to concentrate in one or more areas of legal specialization, thereby developing special expertise in those selected areas. Some of the four-year programs offer or require courses on the management and administration of a law office.

In general, a four-year program provides students with a sound liberal arts education and legal specialty training in several areas, thereby enabling them to choose from a wide number of employment opportunities in various legal settings as well as private law firms. Paralegal programs in four-year colleges or universities may lead to a Bachelor in Science or Bachelor in Arts degree. They are found in many different disciplines, including Political Science, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Business and are sometimes in separate Paralegal or Legal Studies Departments.

Certificate Programs

Non-degree certificate programs are offered by universities, colleges, business and proprietary schools. Some certificate programs are offered for academic college credit and some are not. A certificate program usually offers only legal specialty training. If the general education component is not offered as a part of the program, such programs require applicants for admission to have completed one and one-half years of college or more. Some certificate programs are restricted to only college graduates whose academic record displays a high level of achievement. Classes may be offered full-time during the day or on a part-time evening basis. The length of the program may range from four or five months to two years. Some programs offer legal specialty training and some have a general practice curriculum that includes specialty training. Legal specialty concentrations most often offered are litigation, estate planning and administration, real estate, and corporations.

Internships

Many paralegal education programs include an internship as a part of the curriculum. The internship enables a student to utilize skills acquired in the program and to gain practical on-the-job experience. Internships are available in a variety of settings including private law firms, offices of a public defender or attorney general, banks, corporate legal departments, legal aid organizations, and many government agencies.

Home Study and Web-Based Programs

The American Bar Association does not approve correspondence or home study programs and does not provide information on home study programs. The American Bar Association Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs do allow approved programs to offer some paralegal coursework through web-based electronic delivery and other means of distance delivery.

ABA Approval of Paralegal Education Programs

In 1974 the American Bar Association established the first Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs and in 1975 approved the first group of paralegal education programs. The ABA Guidelines were developed to promote high standards of quality for the education of paralegals. The Guidelines have been revised several times since their initial adoption to keep pace with changes in the utilization of paralegals and in higher education.

To become eligible for ABA approval, a program must have been in operation for at least two academic years and have graduated students and must fully satisfy all requirements of the ABA Guidelines. A directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs is maintained on the website. New programs are approved semi-annually, at the ABA midyear and annual meetings.

Programs seeking ABA approval are required to submit a self-evaluation report which is intended to provide a comprehensive description of all program components with emphasis on the following areas: organization and administration, financial and other resources, advisory committee, educational program, faculty and program leadership, admissions and student services, career services, library and physical plant. As part of the ABA evaluation process, an initial on-site visit is conducted by a two-member team comprised of a representative of the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals Approval Commission, an experienced paralegal or an educator from another paralegal program. The inspection provides an opportunity to verify information provided in the self-evaluation report and to acquire supplementary information essential to making an evaluation. Each inspection includes the following activities: meetings with the program director, administrative officials of the institution, members of the advisory committee, faculty members, students and graduates, and staff of career services, admissions and counseling offices, review of various documents such as course outlines, faculty evaluations, graduate employment records, student files, observation of classes in session and if offered online, and an inspection of the library, off-campus sites, and facilities. Once approved, programs go through the full evaluation process every seven years, and submit a regular interim report between visits that are monitored by the ABA Standing Committee and its Approval Commission.

Seeking approval from the American Bar Association is a voluntary process initiated by the institution offering the program. Therefore, the lack of approval does not necessarily mean a paralegal program is not of good quality and reputable.

You may already know that the paralegal profession offers you the opportunity for a challenging and well-respected career, but there are additional advantages to the field you may not have considered. If you’re contemplating a career change or you’re seeking a promotion within the legal field, now is a good time to weigh the many personal and professional benefits of becoming a paralegal.

It Offers You Career Longevity

As you pursue the paralegal profession, you will be standing on solid employment ground. In fact, job prospects are outstanding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the paralegal field will grow by 17 percent through 2022 nationwide, much faster growth than for many other occupations.

It Will Pay You Well

According to salary.com, the average annual salary for paralegals in Tampa ranges from $47,652 to $60,842. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national annual salary for paralegals is $52,180, with the highest average annual salary ($80,470) and highest employment rate in Washington.

Paralegals working for the federal government tend to make the most ($64,650 on average), and those working for state government tend to earn the least ($46,810 on average). Also, according to NALA, the National Association of Legal Assistants, paralegals who work for large firms with multiple lawyers tend to earn more than those at smaller firms.

It Sticks to a (Mostly) Predictable Work Schedule

When a trial or filing deadline looms, it is possible you will have to work more than 40 hours a week or a Saturday here and there, but you certainly will never have to be concerned about the graveyard shift. This is a tremendous benefit if you seek a career with a healthy work-life balance or if second- or third-shift work would make child care and family life a challenge. Paralegals work a standard workday. If you are a paralegal working for the government, you usually will have a day off whenever the courts are closed.

It Offers You the Prestige of Professional Certification

Paralegals can enter the field through formal education, on-the-job training, or a combination of both. Although the Florida Bar Association’s definition of a paralegal does not stipulate a college degree or specific certification, many firms seek and pay higher salaries to paralegals with formal credentials.

• Certified Paralegal: For this designation, you must pass an exam offered by NALA.
• Florida Certified Paralegal: If you pass the CP exam, you become eligible to sit for the Paralegal Association of Florida exam.
• Florida Registered Paralegal: Qualified paralegals can seek this voluntary designation from the Florida Bar.

It Provides You Recognition and Advancement

With hard work and outstanding experience, you can expect career advancement within the paralegal field. Your firm or agency could promote you to paralegal director, litigation support manager, or paralegal supervisor, roles that bring increased salary and responsibilities.

One more fun element of recognition: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an official Paralegal Day (in 2019, it was recognized on Oct. 23), which surely could earn you a long, laudatory lunch from your employer.

It Offers You the Potential to Be Your Own Boss

The gig economy is taking hold even in the legal field, with more and more law firms outsourcing work to paralegals who are independent contractors rather than staffers. Two common scenarios for law firms to hire a remote paralegal:

1. With large legal departments that maintain a staff of paralegals, you may find freelance work during busy seasons (such as tax season) and when staffers are on vacation or take leave.
2. With small legal departments that cannot justify the cost of keeping a full-time paralegal on staff, you may find work as a remote or temporary paralegal to manage the workload on an as-needed basis.

These staffing needs line up nicely with the results of UpWork’s annual Freelancing in America survey of 6,000 workers. For the 35 percent of the U.S. workforce who freelanced in 2019, the study found that it is not just temporary gig work that is on the rise: 28 percent of freelancers in all fields work full time as independent contractors, not staff employees. That trend appears to be on the rise, even for paralegals. If you like the idea of flexible self-employment, the paralegal profession is a strong contender.

It Presents You with a Variety of Career Specializations

Not only can you choose to work in almost any category of settings that are not law firms – banks, corporations, nonprofits, hospitals, government, judges’ staff – you can seek experience and certification in several areas of specialization, allowing you to mold your career to suit your personal interests and skills, as well as market demands.

• Family law paralegal: Suitable for those who are adept with emotionally delicate situations, your work will regard custody disputes, the preparation of pleas, and drafting correspondence.
• Intellectual property paralegal: Appropriate for those with project management skills and an interest in marketing (you often will help marketers in creating trademarks), your work will focus on copyright and trademark law, patents, and other intellectual property concerns.
• Litigation paralegal: Ideal for those who like a fast pace and the high stakes of the courtroom, your work will be concerned with preparing for trial, overseeing discovery, and interviewing witnesses.
• Real estate paralegal: A good choice for paralegals who hold a real estate license, your work will center on reviewing and filing documents, coordinating schedules, and handling correspondence related to zoning, transactions, and foreclosures.
• Immigration paralegal: An excellent fit for bilingual paralegals, your work will focus on helping immigrants deal with visa applications and petitions related to deportation.
• Corporate paralegal: Excellent for paralegals who prefer to be behind the scenes rather than interacting with clients and the court, your work will relate to research and reviewing contracts.
• Estate and probate paralegal: A perfect fit for a paralegal who is good with numbers and has compassion for those dealing with end-of-life issues, your work will focus on wills, estates, distribution of property, deeds, and inheritance tax.

It Suits Your Skills (and Adds New Ones)

Paralegals can be generalists or specialists, but all paralegals have a core set of skills. If you don’t match up with all of these qualities, training for and working as a paralegal will help you hone them.

• You love writing and editing: Paralegals must draft flawless documents.
• You’re organized: Paralegals prepare and maintain files.
• You’re computer savvy: Paralegals with mastery of Word, Excel, Westlaw, and LexisNexis have a leg up when job-hunting.
• You’re good with numbers: Paralegals often deal with tax issues, financial records, bankruptcy, amortization, the calculation of damages and settlements, and forfeitures, so math skills matter.
• You love a deadline: Paralegals feel energized by a filing deadline or court date.

It Enables You to Serve the Public

Helping others is the essence of paralegal work. You will help your lawyers prepare cases, and you will help clients through difficult experiences in the legal system. If you are interested in the law because you are passionate about social justice, you might be a good fit for family law, immigration law, probate, bankruptcy, or environmental law. If you are interested in criminal law, you might consider working for a public defender.

We invite you to explore USF’s Paralegal Certificate Program, an exceptional course of study taught exclusively by sitting judges.

The need to improve client communications is a challenge that many law firms find themselves faced with over the course of their practice. And as the central source of information, paralegals are often the main point of connection for clients, legal professionals, and court staff,

A study published in 2016 by the American Bar Association (ABA) found that 36 percent of the malpractice claims filed against attorneys from 1997 to 2007 were the result of miscommunication with clients. To address this issue, one of the best things that law firms can do is improve client communication. And this can require effort from the entire team.

Enhancing paralegal-client communication

As the team member who typically has the most frequent contact with clients, paralegals are often called upon to act as a liaison between the client and the attorney. Paralegals answer questions and provide guidance and support to clients many times as a case proceeds toward resolution, particularly at the initial client interview, throughout the discovery process, and during trial preparation.

Paralegals can facilitate the understanding of complex information and avoid misunderstandings by following simple rules to improve client communication:

1.  Allow clients to speak for themselves…

and listen closely to what they have to say, relaying important information back to the attorney. Clients who don’t want to bother their attorneys with a lot of questions often feel more comfortable speaking with paralegals, particularly to obtain status updates and progress reports.

2.  Talk with clients in plain English…

not legalese, ensuring that they feel confident in their understanding of the details. Clients often look to paralegals for greater clarification of complex legal concepts that may be only briefly mentioned in legal proceedings and meetings with attorneys.

3.  Return phone calls as soon as possible.

Because attorneys are often mired in the details of a case and do not have time for extended phone conversations, paralegals can build client confidence by keeping the lines of communication open.

4.  Show courtesy and respect…

in all client communications. Keeping topics professional and focused on the details of the case, if possible, avoiding personal conversations.

5.  Keep the details of a client’s case confidential.

An attorney’s obligation to keep client information confidential extends to the paralegal. Although it should go without saying, don’t talk to your clients about their case in public places; if you receive case-related text messages from clients, delete them immediately; and never reference your client’s case on social media.

6.  Repeat important information to clients in different ways…

and as often as necessary. Legal terms and concepts are difficult for most laypeople to grasp, and explaining them numerous times in various ways, preferably through the use of examples, can lead to greater client understanding of the procedures involved in their case.

7.  Provide clients with regular and periodic status updates…

on how their case is progressing. Frequent communication helps to reassure clients that there are no drastic issues with their case, while also building their confidence in the attorney and the entire legal team.

8.  Send copies of all documents to the client promptly…

with a breakdown of important points, if possible. Clients like to see concrete evidence of the work that is being done on their case, and pointing out critical events can be extremely beneficial in helping them understand that progress is being made.

9. Never give legal advice, and make it clear you are not a lawyer.

If you are relaying legal advice, make sure that the client comprehends that it comes from the attorney, not you. Clients often do not understand the part that each member of the legal team plays in their case, and you might be called upon to explain your role.

10.  Never make promises you can’t keep…

such as when a case will settle or the potential value of a case, even if the client tries to press you to do so. The client might rely on these statements, creating a potential ethics problem for your attorney, and for you as well.

Paralegals are not attorneys, yet their work product is merged with and becomes part of the attorney work product for a client. If a paralegal uses effective communication skills, particularly with clients, this will improve the working process of the whole team, and further enhance the client’s relationship with the entire law firm.

Although there is a huge gap between the private sector and public interest salaries, public interest jobs offer a number of key advantages over private practice. Below are six advantages of public service work.

Furthering the Public Good

A primary reason lawyers and others undertake public interest or pro bono work is to further the public good. Helping underserved people, groups, and causes can provide a feeling of personal satisfaction and achievement that you might not gain defending large corporations in private practice.

Public interest work can allow you to achieve greater goals beyond earning a paycheck, such as working to effect societal change, supporting an important public cause, or providing equal access to justice for needy individuals and organizations. In fact, the lowest-paid lawyers (typically those doing public interest work) report the highest levels of happiness.

Public interest and pro bono work also provide the opportunity to become involved in your local community by performing public service activities of a legal and non-legal nature. For students, it is sometimes easier to find internships with public interest employers than with law firms and for-profit organizations, who tend to hire on a very limited basis for summer jobs. And it’s sometimes possible to get funding for your public interest summer job from your law school or from a nationwide public interest organization, such as Equal Justice Works.

Valuable Work Experience

Law students, new lawyers, paralegals, and other legal professionals can gain valuable work experience through internships in the public interest sector or via pro bono work in law school. Such experience is important at a time when jobs are scarce; many employers do not have the time or resources to train new attorneys and legal personnel.

Since small firms want to hire candidates who can hit the ground running, and large firms often funnel substantive legal work to experienced associates, working in the public interest sector can help you gain the work experience you need. Public interest work is a great stepping stone to private practice and employers appreciate a commitment to public service.

Better Work-Life Balance

Public interest jobs typically offer a better work-life balance than law firm jobs. Nine-to-five work days, flexible schedules, and part-time opportunities are common in the public interest sector. Unlike private practice, individuals employed in non-profits, the government, and legal service organizations are not under pressure to meet high billable hour quotas, gain face-time with partners, or spend free time on client development activities. The work culture is often more relaxed because the focus is on service rather than profit.

Exposure to Multiple Practice Areas

When you join a law firm, you are typically assigned to a specific practice group. However, public service and pro bono work can help new grads explore a variety of practice areas while performing valuable work. At a legal service organization, for example, you might assist with a variety of cases ranging from landlord/tenant and immigration issues to child custody and civil rights. You will gain valuable insight and useful knowledge in the procedural and substantive issues surrounding many areas of law.

Mentoring and Networking Opportunities

If you are a student or a new graduate, public interest and pro bono work can also help you gain mentors, networking contacts, and job references. While law firms and corporations are often focused on the bottom line, public interest venues are less focused on profit.

Therefore, they may offer more time to develop mentoring relationships and contacts. And taking on a pro bono project organized by the local bar association can be a great way to meet practicing attorneys in areas of particular interest since they often volunteer to serve as mentors to newer volunteers.

Recognition and Honors

Lawyers have an ethical obligation to provide public service and give back to the community. This duty also extends to some other legal professionals, such as paralegals. Many law firms and legal organizations recognize and honor lawyers and legal professionals who have demonstrated leadership in their community by engaging in public service and pro bono activities.

Hiring managers also appreciate a commitment to pro bono and public service work. Therefore, this type of work experience can be a resume booster.

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you also have a passion for learning about aspects of the legal field? Do you aspire to have a career with a promising salary and long-term job security? If you answered yes, these are some of the many reasons you should consider getting a degree in paralegal studies.

What are the Benefits of a Paralegal Career?

1. Salary – The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $51,740 in May 2019 and will continue to rise.
2. Job Security – The outlook for the paralegal industry is extremely strong and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow much faster than other occupations, expanding by more than 12 percent by 2028.
3. Work Environment – Becoming a paralegal provides flexibility in different areas you can work in outside of a courtroom. A paralegal can work in corporations, real estate, and hospitals. Paralegals can work as a discovery liaison, legal administrator of business, claims adjuster/investigator, tax preparer, list management, bankruptcy petition preparer, compliance, real estate, and title insurance paralegal, government paralegal, and nursing paralegal.
4. Communication and People Skills – Being a paralegal offers the opportunity to enhance your communication and people skills. Being able to communicate well is at the heart of being a paralegal. A paralegal will always be communicating, whether via the phone, email, memo, letter, or in-person – communication needs to be concise and to the point. People skills will help you to listen better and be more attentive when dealing with clients.
5. Opportunity for Growth – Paralegals can advance within the law firm as well as their career. Many paralegals advance to supervisor or management positions.
6. Helping Others – Being a paralegal gives you the opportunity to help others, many of them suffering through a difficult experience in their lives. It is very rewarding to help someone during a difficult process and see the benefit they receive from your services.
7. Self-Employment – Paralegals can choose to freelance as independent contractors under the direct supervision of an attorney. They can work from home or in an office and set their own schedule.
8. Law School – For some paralegals, the love of law that they develop as paralegals leads them to attend law school. Their paralegal background gives them a definite advantage over someone with no experience in the industry.

Why UC Online is the perfect fit?

• 100% online: no campus visits are required.
• Part-time and full-time scheduling: have the flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree.
• American Bar Association approved.
• All instructors have licensed attorneys with extensive experience working with paralegals.
• High job placement rate.

If you are interested in starting the path to this rewarding and fulfilling career as a paralegal, please contact us to get started today!

A leader is only as good as their team. And a team is a reflection of its leader. These two units work together to create success.

Running A Successful Law Firm takes dedication, persistence, and hard work. It also takes a great paralegal team.

But without proper paralegal training, your employees may not have the skills needed to take your law firm to the next level. Investing in paralegal training means investing in the future of your firm.

Read on to discover 11 reasons that making this investment is in your best interest.

The Importance of Paralegal Training

You can’t hire a new paralegal and expect them to know exactly what you need. Even with prior experience, your new employee won’t understand the specific techniques your law firm uses unless you train them.

Investing in paralegal training ensures that your team works within the law and your office policies. It also equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully fill their position.

Here are a few more reasons to sign your staff up for paralegal training.

1. Improved Communication

This goes for both communications between you and your paralegal, as well as between them and your clients. When it comes to important legal issues, Communication Is Key.

Misinterpreting even a few simple words can create chaos in the courtroom. Paralegal training teaches employees how to effectively communicate using the correct verbiage.

Paralegals will also learn the difference between urgent matters and those that are less time-sensitive. Clients can contact the law office via phone and email. Paralegals can field certain inquiries and pass pertinent information and other questions onto the lawyer.

Training will prepare your paralegals for communicating appropriately with clients and other attorneys if needed.

2. Portrays Professionalism

Your firm’s paralegal staff should carry themselves in a professional manner at all times. Training will help teach them what behaviors are and aren’t appropriate.

When dealing with clients, paralegals must stay neutral. Becoming personally involved with a client or case is unethical. Giving legal advice of any kind is illegal.

Your paralegal team should portray themselves in the same way you do. After all, they’re the voice and face of your firm when you can’t be. It’s also important they understand what information is confidential.

3. Understanding Their Role

Paralegals have a specific role in every law firm and proper training guarantees they understand their duties. There are certain jobs that, by law, paralegals cannot perform.

These include:

• Giving legal advice
• Negotiating legal fees
• Suggesting answers for trial or depositions

If a paralegal unknowingly preps a witness for trial or provides legal advice, both you and the accused will find themselves in hot water. This is considered practicing law without a valid license.

But there are many jobs that paralegals can perform and, when done right, will benefit your law firm. Here are a few examples:

• Report writing
• Organizing files
• Answering phone calls
• Fielding appropriate client questions
• Conducting research

Paralegal training courses teach new hires these skills and ensure they understand the difference between fielding client questions and offering legal advice.

4. The Ability to Take on More Clients

With more help in the office, your law firm can take on more clients. This will increase your workload, but the paralegal will help offset this. More clients also mean more income.

You can also offer paralegal on-the-job training which means the employee gets to learn the inner workings of your specific office. Every law firm uses different techniques and practices. The best way to train a paralegal to perform according to your standards is to provide the training yourself.

Once the paralegal is well-versed in your office etiquette, you’ll have an extra set of hands to help juggle more clientele.

5. Faster Turnaround Time

Like any other business, your clients expect fast results. And if there’s one process that can drag on for an eternity, it’s the legal one. Whether you’re handling divorce cases, accidents, or criminal cases, time is of the essence.

A properly trained paralegal can help research cases, file documents, make phone calls, and schedule appointments. This speeds up the process and could increase turnaround time, which benefits both you and your clients.

Most civil cases take between 2 and 3 years to settle. If appeals or other complications occur, some cases can take as long as 10 years to be resolved. Having a trained paralegal team means sharing the workload and, hopefully, closing cases sooner.

6. Provides a Solid Foundation

All paralegals enter the workforce with a Bachelor of Science in paralegal studies. This gives them a solid foundation for what the Position Of A Paralegal Requires. But more training never hurt.

The world of law is constantly changing. It’s important for paralegals to understand and adapt to these changes. A solid foundation is the perfect jumping-off point.

Some paralegal training even offers information about new and upcoming changes to the current laws.

7. Teaches Other Useful Skills

A good paralegal has other skills outside of those related to law. A paralegal’s job requires interacting with clients, answering phones, understanding your filing and computer system, and research.

Through paralegal training, your hires will sharpen these additional skills and learn how to apply them at work. Taking notes, typing quickly and accurately, and learning new and efficient ways to Store And Dispose Of Files are all skills paralegals can benefit from learning.

8. Offers Guidance

As wonderful as it would be for you to walk your paralegal team through every one of your procedures, it’s just not practical. You have enough on your plate when it comes to trial prep and client meetings.

Sending your paralegals for training gives them guidance and direction. During training, paralegals can address any questions or concerns. This helps clear up confusion and reaffirms the knowledge they already have.

9. Reduces Confusion

Confusion equals mistakes. And you can’t afford to make mistakes. Not when someone’s money, life, business, or marriage is on the line.

Proper training for your paralegal team means clear and concise directions. Paralegals will learn exactly how you want things done and what your expectations are.

In time, your paralegal will learn the specific routines and procedures your law office follows. These may differ from previous firms they’ve worked in, making job-specific training even more important.

When your employees have a clear understanding of their job description and requirements, it means fewer questions, fewer mistakes, and fewer headaches for everyone.

10. Boosts Confidence

A Confident Employee is a productive employee. When your paralegal is confident in their abilities, it shows. Both in their work and in their interactions with clients.

And what better way to boost confidence than offering additional training and information? The more knowledgeable your paralegal team is, the more capable they’ll be to handle the workload.

Confident employees are often happier and more positive, which makes for a pleasant work environment. Happy employees accept more responsibility, take on extra work, and are always eager to learn.

Through paralegal training, your employees will find confidence and abilities they never knew they had.

11. Makes Your Job Easier

One of the biggest complaints clients have about their lawyers (besides the cost) is that they don’t hear from them enough. Let’s face it, some clients need a lot of attention. They’re likely dealing with a life-altering situation and require lots of time and attention.

Unfortunately, these clients aren’t your only ones. Lawyers are swamped with preparing for trial, gathering information, giving legal advice, and networking. This makes it impossible to answer every client’s question and update them regularly.

This is where your paralegal staff comes into play. They can easily handle client inquiries about case status and relay messages between you and the client.

Knowing you have a trained, capable paralegal team at the helm, allows you to relax and turn your attention to the more rigorous, legal work.

Invest in Success

Offering paralegal training may seem redundant or unnecessary, but in the long run, it’s an investment in the success of your law firm. Your business is only as good as its employees.

Paralegals can apply their newfound knowledge and skills to the position, resulting in quality work and happy clients. This reflects positively on you and your office.

Giving your paralegal team the right tools and resources will only increase their chances of success. Check Out Our Custom Tabs to help your paralegals keep your files neat and organized.

 

When I became a paralegal in 1984, it was very common for paralegals to sit at their desks all day with their headphones on and type a variety of documents such as motions, pleadings, and correspondence, dictated by an attorney via the Dictaphone.  The role of the paralegal has since evolved from secretarial typists or transcribers to highly qualified staff members who perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.

Since the paralegal profession has evolved to include more substantive legal work, those wishing to become a paralegal usually seek formal training to gain the legal knowledge necessary to work alongside an attorney.  But in order to really excel in the paralegal profession, there are several characteristics and skills that are important to possess and develop in addition to legal knowledge.   After working as a paralegal, I went to law school and became an attorney and employer of paralegals, so I’ve seen first-hand the characteristics and skills that make a paralegal exceptional.  Here are 5 things that every attorney expects from his or her paralegal:

1.  Punctuality & Attendance

Attorneys’ expectations are often very simple – be present and on time.  Should any extreme circumstances arise that cause one to be absent or late, you must call and let your attorney know?  Being late can wreak havoc on an attorney if they need you to be in the office.  When I was an attorney, I recall one time I was in court and needed some information; however, much to my dismay and frustration, calling my office every five minutes didn’t make my paralegal magically appear at her desk.

Attendance and punctuality are some of the simplest yet most important things a paralegal can achieve in a job. Punctual paralegals with outstanding attendance are indispensable to an attorney.

2.  Communication Skills

Paralegals need to be good communicators, constantly developing both their written and verbal skills.  Writing skills are vital to a paralegal’s success.  When writing petitions, briefs, and even business letters, paralegals must be able to write properly structured sentences and utilize correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  It is imperative that paralegals proofread their work, use spell check, check for grammatical errors, and focus on proper writing techniques.

Excellent verbal skills will also help a paralegal communicate effectively, and will cut down on misunderstandings and increase a paralegal’s productivity.  Upon receipt of work instructions from an attorney, paralegals who are effective communicators will ask questions and seek clarification on their work assignments.

Not only is it important for paralegals to communicate well with their attorneys, but let’s not forget about the clients. Paralegals can assist their attorneys by mastering the kind of communication that clients appreciate, answering and making phone calls, sending copies of documents, and answering emails.

3.  Language Skills

Attorneys expect paralegals to know general legal terms that are commonly used, such as depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admissions in all areas of law.  The legal profession is full of written materials which require paralegals to continuously expand their vocabulary.  A dictionary can be advantageous to a paralegal in learning to master both the English language and the language of law.

4.  Organizational Skills

Organizational skills are paramount to being an effective paralegal.  They facilitate a paralegal’s ability to create and manage calendar systems, track court dates, and meet filing deadlines.  Additionally, legal research materials, such as case law, must be organized in a method that they can be easily navigated and retrieved.  Documents in a legal case are useless unless they are properly filed and indexed so the documents may be pulled quickly and easily at any time.

5.  Technology skills

Today’s most sought-after paralegal skills are technology skills.  Employers do not want to teach you how to use a computer.  It is expected that a paralegal will know how to operate and navigate a computer and legal software proficiently.  In addition, litigation support and e-filing are becoming commonplace in the legal field.  It’s important during your paralegal training and on the job to learn to use various paperless court filing systems and be able to successfully file and manage documents online.

It takes more than just legal knowledge to be an excellent paralegal.  It takes hands-on skills and an organized and reliable personality.  Many of the skills listed above can be developed and worked on during your paralegal education.  Are you interested in developing your paralegal skills at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies?  We’re here to give you a competitive paralegal education complete with job-ready skills, and we’re committed to our student’s success.

Choosing your profession can feel like one of the most crucial decisions you will make. It’s understandable to second-guess yourself. Shows like Law and Order, How to Get Away with Murder or Better Call Saul may have piqued your interest in the legal realm, but is that interest enough to fuel a career?

Of all the potential courtroom jobs out there, a paralegal career is one of the fastest tracks you can take to your first day on the job. But the time it takes to gain the proper knowledge and training is still an investment. You want to be sure that it’s worth your time.

Take a moment to learn some of the gritty details of working as a paralegal—from the mouths of paralegals and the lawyers who hire them. Use this expert insight to help you make an informed decision.

But first, let’s cover the basics…

What does a paralegal do?

You’ve likely done some research on your own, but it’s always beneficial to have all of your information in one place. What does a paralegal do? Basically, they help their attorneys keep things organized and running smoothly by doing important legal legwork.

Those duties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), can include assisting attorneys during trials, organizing case files, preparing trial notes, performing legal research, preparing legal briefs and sometimes conducting client and witness interviews.¹

“Most paralegal jobs require paralegals to work on contracts, real estate, civil lawsuits and other legal needs,” says Kirk Olson, a lawyer and instructor at Rasmussen University. “One case may require multiple areas of law. For instance, a divorce often requires a paralegal to obtain and review real estate, pension, insurance, business and estate planning documents, not just child custody studies.”

Paralegals are generally detail oriented, organized and efficient. Because duties can vary greatly based on the size of the firm or the supervising attorneys, they must also be adaptable.

How to become a paralegal

One of the most common concerns for anyone looking into starting in this field is the amount of education needed—as well as how long it takes to become a paralegal. The path to becoming a paralegal can look very different from one person to the next.

But the BLS states that the most common educational path that leads to work as a paralegal is an Associate’s degree, which can be completed in as a few as 18 months.^1,2 That said, if you’ve already earned a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a different field, a Paralegal Certificate program can provide you with the specialized knowledge base you’ll need on the job without requiring more years of schooling—in fact, this Certificate program can be completed in as few as 8 months.²

What to expect from the Paralegal Certificate program

This program is designed to supplement education from a different field. If you already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any area, a Paralegal Certificate program can give you the legal basics a paralegal needs to know while building upon the foundation of general education courses you’ve already completed.

In this kind of paralegal program, you’ll take courses like Introduction to Legal Research, Legal Writing and Law Office Management. Ethical communication, interdisciplinary awareness and emerging technology are important objectives of this program.

What to expect from a Paralegal Associate’s degree program

A Paralegal Associate’s degree program will give you an essential basis for work as a paralegal (as well as other careers) with foundational classes in English composition, math and the humanities. But the bulk of your studies will focus on skill and knowledge areas specific to the legal world and the paralegal duties within it.

Courses like Torts, Contracts and Family Law zoom in on complex subjects in the legal realm, while other courses such as Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts, Legal Writing and Legal Research help you build the critical skill sets paralegals need.

A Paralegal degree will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in the field, but there will be a host of things you won’t learn until you’re on the job. For some additional insights, we asked paralegal professionals to share the things they wish they’d known before starting their careers.

What is a paralegal career like?

“You will work hard and long hours, but it’s worth it,” says paralegal and Rasmussen University Justice Studies instructor Julia Gordon. Gordon explains that paralegals carry a lot of weight on their shoulders and every detail matters.

“There is no room for error in tracking deadlines and working with court scheduling,” says Kevin Queenan of The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. “Mentoring legal assistants, I hear the same issue every time: I did not know you meant that detail oriented!” Queenan emphasizes that miniscule mistakes can have big consequences in the legal world. Having a bad day won’t cut it as an excuse if your mistake costs the firm a case, or worse, accusations of malpractice.

Yet, Queenan points out, people with the right personality can flourish in this position. Paralegals can take jobs with varied daily tasks and experiences if that is what they are looking for. “In a general civil practice … the legal assistant may be answering discovery [requests] one day and driving out to meet a new client the next day.”

“For those who like more structure or repetition, there are law practices involving cookie-cutter lawsuits and issues. I talked to a legal assistant yesterday, and her last position involved filing 1,000 credit card lawsuits per month,” Queenan explains.

“Don’t go into the job with rose-colored glasses,” Gordon says. You might picture working in an office full of driven individuals who want to help their clients fix injustices. But unfortunately, it isn’t always like that.

“Not all attorneys are nice, and not all attorneys are ethical,” Gordon says. “Be aware of your ethical rules and guidelines and never compromise your integrity. Nothing is worth losing your self-respect over. You have your clients’ lives in your hands. Treat the position with the highest reverence.”

What is the average paralegal salary?

While not every aspect of a paralegal’s work is considered glamorous, that’s really no different from most jobs. After all, there’s a reason you get paid to work. But is that pay enough to support you and your responsibilities? That’s up to you to decide.

The median annual paralegal salary in 2018 was $50,940, according to the BLS.² That’s $12,300 more than the national average of $38,640 for all occupations.² This is pretty encouraging for a job that doesn’t require a Bachelor’s degree or hazardous working conditions.

Which paralegal skills matter most?

In this legal career, certain personalities and particular skill sets are better poised for success than others. If you are considering work as a paralegal, make sure you fit the bill by the time you apply.

“An effective [paralegal] must be computer savvy,” Queenan says. She adds that good legal assistants don’t overreact under pressure, are highly organized and care about the small details.

“Being kind and helpful is a good start,” Olson says. But Olson emphasizes that helpfulness won’t land you the job. “Lawyers hire paralegals because a good paralegal will find flaws in documents and assist with billing and other detailed functions that keep a law office working. A good paralegal is a ‘deadline cop’ who keeps the law firm on track.”

Olson says paralegals are expected to catch errors made by others and remind everyone of important dates. “Finding and warning of a deadline that others missed may prevent a loss of a client’s case and may save a $10,000 deductible in a lawyer’s malpractice claim,” Olson adds.

All that detail checking includes spelling and grammar. Olson says paralegals correct citation mistakes, grammar errors and other inaccuracies. Fine-tuning your writing and editing abilities is vital for success as a paralegal—that, as well as technical proficiency.

“A person considering becoming a legal assistant should take the highest level of available training on Word, WordPerfect and Westlaw,” Queenan says. “A technologically proficient [paralegal] will wow their lawyers more often and command a higher salary and raises.”

How to stand out as a paralegal

If you are mentally checking off some of those skill boxes—that’s a great sign. While detail-oriented professionals with strong writing and computer skills are important in this profession, there are ways to stand out even more.

Queenan recommends seeking training in client interactions, etiquette and communication skills since presenting a professional image to clients is incredibly important. Pay close attention to verbal slip-ups—no one wants to hear their legal help sounding careless. You want to make sure you are representing yourself, your clients and, ultimately, your practice as best as you can. This includes being able to communicate in a professional manner.

Additionally, Queenan suggests learning more about research materials on the internet. “We are suing a major manufacturer, and my legal assistant found several articles that were helpful to our lack of warning claims. The information was free!”

Olson suggests asking for examples of finished case files when you take work as a paralegal to see samples of what completed and professional work looks like for that firm. “And be assertive. If something does not look right, insist that it be explained or fixed.”

Are you cut out to become a paralegal?

Paralegals play an integral role in a firm’s success. Every document filed, every interview conducted and every ounce of collected research matters.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in the exciting legal world you’re used to seeing on TV, the paralegal profession may be the perfect career choice for you. Not only can it help you pay the bills, but it will challenge you intellectually and provide you with valuable professional experience to reach your long-term career goals.

An indispensable paralegal has an ability to multitask, strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, expertise in organization, and psychic abilities.

According to NALA: The Paralegal Association’s Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegals,

Paralegals are a distinguishable group of persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training, and experience, paralegals have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.

If you are a litigation attorney who has never utilized the assistance of a paralegal, here are the top five things you should look for when hiring a paralegal.

1. Ability to multitask. Litigation can move at an extremely fast and unpredictable pace. It is very important for your litigation paralegal to possess the ability to pivot and move on to a new task at the drop of a hat and be able to maintain accuracy throughout daily tasks even with that shift in focus.
2. Strong attention to detail. The paralegal is often the last person to provide feedback on any documents being submitted to the court, client, opposing parties, or opposing counsel. Having an eye for catching even the smallest spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes is a great quality in a paralegal. It is also important for the paralegal to pick out details of anything coming into the firm such as deadlines and reminders that need to be calendared and follow-up tasks that need to be completed.
3. Willingness to learn. Most state bars require continuing legal education for attorneys as the legal world is always evolving. A paralegal’s willingness to continue their education and the attorney’s acceptance of providing the time and means for their paralegal to continue their education is imperative. Local and statewide paralegal associations are great ways for paralegals to get the education and support they need to continue growing in the legal field.
4. Expertise in the organization. It is the paralegal’s duty to maintain the litigation files. Whether you work with paper or electronic files, there should be no question that anyone who picks up that file looking for a specific item should be able to find that item with ease and without asking where the item is.
5. Psychic abilities. That might be slightly facetious, but a litigation paralegal should know the case to the extent they can anticipate issues that may arise and already have in place a plan to mitigate the issues. This also relates to tasks the attorney can have the paralegal handle. A paralegal that knows a mediation statement needs to be done and gets a draft of the statement to the attorney before the attorney has to ask for it is indispensable to that attorney.