Being a Paralegal By Hollie Marshall

Job Description Summarizing legal documents Performing records research Performing legal research Coordinating research Checking legal forms for accuracy Preparing reports Preparing correspondence Drafting all sorts of legal documents Preparing declarations Preparing form complaints Pretty much you are an Attorney’s right hand

So why become a Paralegal? There are many reasons why someone should choose to become a paralegal, but here are some.. Just to name a few. It allows you the opportunity to work with the public. Paralegal jobs are recession proof meaning it allows for better job security. The paralegal field offers one of the fastest growing employment opportunities in the U.S. Variety of work Job satisfaction

Education There are a couple of different ways a paralegal can obtain education. – Paralegal certificate: this is anywhere from 3-10 months of education and can be obtained online or some colleges. This form of education does not allow the paralegal to take the national paralegal test and can affect the amount of money they can make. – Associates Degree in Paralegal studies: This is two years of education and qualifies the paralegal to take the national paralegal test. Again, some firms may require the paralegal to have a four year degree or pay them less. Most schools only offer a two year degree. – Bachelors Degree in Paralegal Studies: This is a four year degree and usually allows the paralegal to make the most amount of money and find the best jobs offered.

Job Security According to netplaces.com, The paralegal field offers one of the fastest-growing employment opportunities in the United States. A 2011 Bureau of Labor Statistics report estimated that there are more than 257,000 practicing paralegals in the United States. In some states, it is allowed for Paralegals to legally draft up paperwork for clients. Meaning that it is cheaper for people to have paralegals draw up their papers rather than an Attorney who charges costly rates. In Utah, it is illegal for Paralegals to work for clients without a supervising attorney. Things are ever changing and paralegals are often teaching the attorney’s of new technology and advances in the legal system. Most attorney’s need help from paralegal’s and it’s a cheaper form help that hiring Junior associates.

Salary The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for paralegals was $46,680 in The best-paid 10 percent in the field made $74,870, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $29,490. The highest paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of San Francisco, San Jose, Calif., and Washington, D.C.

Types of Jobs available Private Jobs – Corporate Law – Probate Law – Litigation Law – Real Estate Law – Employment Law Government Jobs – District Attorney’s office – City Prosecutor’s office

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