The legal assistant profession (also known as paralegal) is one of the fastest growing professions right now. In recent years, it has become a profession that requires higher levels of education than ever before due to the onslaught of new technologies.
By having a paralegal prepare first drafts and do the research for a case, the attorney can charge much less than if they had to do the work themselves. A paralegal will perform many of the important tasks that pertain to a legal case.
They investigate the facts, collect all relevant information, identify the appropriate laws, and review previous case law and court rulings. They will prepare documents to start a legal case, write letters to clients, request documentation from relevant sources, as well as write reports that the lawyer can use to determine how the case should be handled.
But make no mistake about it, there are downsides to the paralegal profession. The following are the most common:
1. A paralegal may be required to work long hours, often beyond their normal nine to five job.
2. A paralegal will do a lot of research and spend a lot of time writing up their findings.
3. At this time, the legal assistant profession does not have regulations or certifications by law that control its performance.
Regarding certification, one can choose to become certified voluntarily. Getting certified as a paralegal is a good idea because it shows that you are a qualified professional to potential employers. You can earn Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Certification through the National Association of Paralegals (NALA) or take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Even with the disadvantages associated with the paralegal profession, there are many advantages as well.
The following are the most common:
1. The paralegal field offers many challenges and can be very rewarding.
2. The average salary for a paralegal can range from $25,000 to $55,000, depending on the location, education, and type of agency the paralegal works for.
3. A paralegal may be employed by a government department, private practice, a large law firm, a corporation, or any number of places that require the services of a lawyer.
Today, the career prospects and opportunities for paralegals have never been higher. However, today the paralegal needs to be trained in a variety of specific areas. A paralegal who holds an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is in a more advantageous position to be employed by a larger, more prestigious government agency or firm than someone who does not hold one or the other of these degrees. A paralegal who has her title can also demand a better salary.
Becoming a paralegal can offer the exciting challenges you may be looking for in your career. Paralegals make excellent earnings and it’s a fantastic career for those who are concerned about helping someone in need.
It is definitely a career worth studying. If you are interested, you should explore it further. You should visit websites that cover the profession in more detail.
Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the resource box is included and the links are clickable.