Top 3 Reasons to Obtain Certification : Paralegal Salary Breakdown

Posted on May 13, 2011 by admin

The average paralegal salary exceeds the expectations of many students seeking a career in the legal field. The growing demand for knowledgeable, skilled, and certified paralegal professionals has caused a surge in salary. Receiving a notable salary as a legal assistant or paralegal professional is determined by location, credentials and legal background. Students determined to enter the legal field are advised to review the average salary options based on the governing demographics within the state. The key to optimizing the opportunities available for an exception base salary requires certification, experience, and proven ability to execute the regulations of the law.

Certification
The National Association of Legal Assistants often offer certification for legal assistants or paralegal professionals. The certification is a standard test composed of questions to determine the overall understanding of the legal system based on the research provided by the student. The starting paralegal salary for inexperienced professionals or recent graduates is $25,000 – $32,000 per year. Students able to obtain the certification are often able to negotiate a starting salary on the higher end of the starting salary scale due to the comprehensive information obtained through the certification.

Experience
Professionals whom have experience as a paralegal or legal assistant often receive comparable salary in the ranges of $35,000 to $42,000 per year. The paralegal salary for moderately trained professionals is based on the professional’s ability to provide cohesive legal knowledge while assisting in the research required to administer justice on behalf of the client. Many law firms offer the option of increased salary upon yearly evaluation. Paralegal professionals are often required to showcase a minimal to moderate comprehension of the law prior to receiving the moderate salary described.

Regulations
Seasoned paralegal professionals are able to receive an extraordinary salary of $45,000 to $60,000. Professionals able to receive this paralegal salary on the higher end of the salary spectrum have exhibited exceptional professionalism, ability to provide unquestionable support for the legal team, and ability to excel in required tasks. A cohesive understanding of the governing legal regulations is required to extend options for additional benefits or salary options in the legal field. Paralegal professionals are encouraged to review additional certifications, opportunities for extended research and options to provide assistants on various cases to receive this option.

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Paralegal Training – What to Expect

Posted on May 13, 2011 by admin

There are many different paralegal training programs available, but there are some general skills that all programs should teach their students. Many paralegals assist lawyers by performing legal research, and a good paralegal training program should teach their students how to use specialized legal databases. Future paralegals should also be taught legal writing, such as how to draft legal memorandums and basic court filings. Paralegal training programs also have classes that give students basic information about specialized areas of law, such as: criminal law, family law, tax law, etc.

Hands On Experience
A good paralegal training program will provide students with the opportunity to do an internship. This gives students a chance to see how law offices really work, and also allows them to apply their skills to real life situations. An internship also gives students an advantage after they graduate from their paralegal training program in terms of finding a job. Many law offices are very busy, and would prefer to hire a paralegal who already has some idea about how law offices work. An internship also provides paralegal students with excellent networking opportunities. Even if the law office that they intern for cannot hire them upon graduation, the lawyers in that office can provide them with personal references. They also may know of law offices which are hiring staff.

What Makes One School Better Than Others
There are several things that a person should look at when they are deciding which paralegal training program to attend. They should look at the required coursework, to make sure that it includes classes that a paralegal will need (such as legal research and writing). They also should contact an adviser or the career services office at the school, to see what their placement rate is. A good legal assistant training program will help place their graduates in employment after they graduate from the training program. They also should check to see if the program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Since there is no requirement that paralegals be licensed, they can still be a legal assistant even if they do not attend an ABA-approved school. However, when looking for a job, many law offices and other employers look more favorably on candidates who have graduated from an ABA-approved program.

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Getting ABA Paralegal Certification

Posted on May 13, 2011 by admin

Paralegals make up a good part of the necessary constituents in the legal profession. Although The American Bar Association does not provide its own aba paralegal certification training programs, it does recommend paralegal certification for those who serve the public in this field. Additionally, it also accredits the 260 paralegal programs that do exist to train paralegals. Only one out of the 50 states requires that paralegals get certified. The following steps will lead to a paralegal certification.

Instructions

1)Gain access to a directory of the ABA accredited training programs. While the schools do not receive ratings from the ABA, you will be able to do your search based on a particular state or alphabetically. This will give you a base to start from to locate a school that is right for you.

2)Register for a class that fits into your study plans. This could be on a local campus or through an online course, although there are no entirely Internet based schools that offer this opportunity. The course will consist of 24 related areas of study, which pertain to law, criminal and employment law, legal document, or tort. Universities and community colleges are great places to look as well as trade schools and proprietary training centers.

3)Take the examination for paralegal certification. This examination is offered through the National Association of Legal Assistants. The ABA also recognizes the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam which is sponsored by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

4)Check for any paralegal programs that are associated with law firms in your local area. You can also find job openings by perusing the ABA website and could secure an internship there as well.

5)Maintain contacts that will allow you to stay up to date on information about changes that are taking place in the legal community. Learn about all the ways legal firms are using paralegals in their legal practices, and understand how that can help you to move forward with your career.

6)Attend any conferences for paralegals that are offered by the ABA and American Association for Paralegal Education. Attend all activities that offer you the chance to receive continuing education credits.

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How to Become a Paralegal With Planning

Posted on May 13, 2011 by admin

If you are wondering how to become a paralegal, concentrate on planning. The title of paralegal is really a huge umbrella over many different types of jobs in the legal profession. If you hope to have a rewarding career involving law it is best to plan which area of expertise you want to pursue before researching schools, training and working in the field. Some paralegal jobs to consider include corporate, litigation, probate, government and real estate. Narrowing down your chosen field before acquiring education or working as an intern in an office is the way to streamline and focus your future career.

Education is key to becoming a paralegal and getting the very best jobs. It is possible to find work in small offices and work as an intern where you learn the skills and knowledge for becoming a paralegal. Many people pursue formal education for a speedier learning process. Paralegal jobs are highly competitive and the more education you have the better the prospects for being chosen above other candidates. Research colleges and universities that offer training in the paralegal profession. Check into online paralegal courses that may provide flexible schedules for learning as you work part time in a small office. Be sure and get your education from schools that are recognized by the ABA (American Bar Association). Schools with these credentials usually provide better training and look impressive on a resume.

When you think about how to become a paralegal, you need to be ready to commit to two to four years of education. Starting salaries are usually tied directly to the amount of education and training you have. Options for better jobs include a two-year associate’s degree or four-year bachelor’s degree, which usually provide opportunities at the larger firms with a higher starting salary. Take the examination to be certified through NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants). Large employers offering good jobs are always on the look out for certified legal assistants. Today trends indicate companies are reducing costs by hiring paralegals for many of their legal services rather than lawyers.

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Top 3 Ways to Obtain Paralegal Certification

Posted on March 7, 2011 by admin

The scope, depth, and breadth of your job as a paralegal will depend on whether or not you have paralegal certification. A paralegal, which is also referred to as a legal assistant, basically works as the right-hand man of lawyers, attorneys, and legal counsels. Your job as a paralegal, however, can also be as extensive as your prospective employer deems necessary, but one thing you are explicitly and legally prohibited from performing is any task that can be classified as a practice of law in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, presenting a case or defending a client in court, offering legal counsel, or setting legal contracts or fees.

Paralegal certification can best be obtained in any of the following three ways:

1. National Association of Legal Assistants – To attain the title of certified paralegal or certified legal assistant from this body, you’ll first have to complete a paralegal program, and possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1 year of working experience as a paralegal. Those with high school diplomas only may still qualify if they have 7 years of working experience as a paralegal.

2. National Federation of Paralegal Associations – Passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE) would earn you the title of PACE-registered paralegal. There are two tiers to the exam. The first section deals with ethics and general legal knowledge; it may also concern laws that are state specific. The second section is designed to test the knowledge of those wishing to specialize in a particular area of law.

3. National Association for Legal Professionals – The certification that the NALS offers is unique in the sense that it comes in three levels: basic ALS certification, PP-certified paralegals, and advanced PLS certification. You don’t need to be a NALS member to take the PLS exam, but you do need to have a minimum of 3 years of working experience in the legal industry. A maximum of 1 year of working experience may be waivered if you’ve completed either an ALS exam or a postsecondary degree. There are four parts that make up the PLS exam: written communications, office procedures and technology, ethics and judgment, and lastly, legal knowledge and skills.

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