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It’s the same with the sailing certification. It’s the same with paralegalcertificate programs. A paralegalcertificate program can’t teach you how to be a successful paralegal. This problem is not unique to the paralegal profession. It’s the same when lawyers graduate from lawschool.
But after they’ve got you enrolled and you’re in the paralegalcertificate program, it would be helpful for you to also hear the downsides of being a paralegal so that you can be better prepared for your new career. Your Paralegal Role Will Not Look Like Meghan’s on the Suits TV Show.
Here are a few: The attorney I worked for had a difficult personality. The office manager played favorites with certain paralegals, and it was terrible for morale. My 5-Year Plan is to Become an Attorney. There is nothing wrong with being a paralegal who wants to become a lawyer. I Can Start Immediately.
If you know you want to pursue a career in the legal field, whether it be as a paralegal or possible attorney in the future, you can gain great legal experience as a legal assistant while you further your education. Most firms will require you to have a paralegalcertificate of some sort.
If you are new (or fairly new) to litigation, this free guide will help you get a handle on your cases and be able to anticipate what the attorney needs before they ask for it. When you went and asked for that paralegal position, did you have a paralegalcertificate or college degree? GET A COPY OF THE FREE GUIDE HERE.
I actually was getting my college degree because I wanted to go on to lawschool. One of the professors had a criminal justice degree and it was in his criminal justice class. He had a friend who was the office manager at a local law firm, in Sarasota, Florida. So that’s how I got into the paralegal field.
It’s worth mentioning that paralegals with formal training, including an Associates in Paralegal Studies or ParalegalCertificate are in higher demand. The paralegals and legal assistants that exhibit strong computer and database skills, along with a strong work ethic will typically be the best candidates.
Build Your Paralegal Success Portfolio I recommend saving all the kudos emails and voicemails from clients or your attorney that you receive in one folder. The voicemail from your attorney thanked you for working all weekend and getting that transaction closed. Learn what one skill can make or break your paralegal career.
Jaye Koch, ACP, is a Senior Paralegal at the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney where she enjoys doing any type of research (especially legal) and trial preparation. Political Science, from Virginia Wesleyan College 1982 and a ParalegalCertificate, from Tidewater Community College, 1986. Jaye has a B.A.
It’s worth mentioning that paralegals with formal training, including an Associates in Paralegal Studies or ParalegalCertificate are in higher demand. The paralegals and legal assistants that exhibit strong computer and database skills, along with a strong work ethic will typically be the best candidates.
This means that almost anyone can call themselves a paralegal as there is no set requirement to earn that title. First, they can opt for a Graduate Diploma in Law or another related degree. You can take varying levels of paralegal diplomas, post-graduate certificates, and many other courses through colleges and universities alike.
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