Education Law Association
25Aug/11Off

Paralegal Education Programs

Paralegal career is a challenging and rewarding career that is in the rapid growth trend in the job market. Paralegals provide administrative support to legal professions and they play an important role in assisting the attorneys in the delivery of legal services. There are many paralegal education programs available in various colleges and universities that will prepare students with diverse backgrounds to enter the paralegal profession.

The core course of any paralegal education program will train the students on ethics and professional responsibility, the organization structure of a legal workplace, the politics and office culture of this career field in order to prepare the students for the challenges of today's paralegal careers. Beside that, the students will also learn the legal procedures and advanced skills training involving criminal law, civil litigation, conducting interviews and investigations using the emerging computer and internet technology to assist in legal research, analysis and writing so that the students will build a solid foundation to become a professional paralegal after graduation.

The most common types of paralegal education programs are:

Associate Degree Programs

The associate degrees in paralegal are normally offered in two-year program by community colleges or four-year program in some of colleges and universities. The main curriculum of these associate degrees usually consists of the combination of paralegal courses and general education in the related areas. If you are thinking of continue your education to earn a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree; then you should only consider the associate degree programs that allow transferable of credits.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Paralegal education program is also offered in four-year colleges and universities with the title of baccalaureate degree for students who completed the program. These bachelor's degree programs are usually about 120 to 130 semester units and cover courses in paralegal and related areas. The bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies will prepare the students in a variety of critical duties such as investigation the facts of cases, identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and materials so that they will be able support law firms and other legal organizations in ensuring all relevant information is considered an any assigned case.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are usually designed for students who already hold an associate or bachelor degree in various majors and interest to enter or advance their paralegal career. Normally a certificate program will take about 18 to 60 semester units to cover courses that include both paralegal specific and general education in the related areas.

Master's Degree Programs

Some master's degree programs are designed to provide top-notch paralegal training, while other are designed to provide legal education to people who work in other professions and feel that a credential in paralegal will help to advance their careers. The paralegal's master degree programs are offered in four-year colleges and graduate schools and normally conferred as master of art or science degree in law, legal studies or legal administration. By earning a master's degree in paralegal studies, you will set yourself apart from many other paralegals who are seeking for employment or advancement.

Summary

Paralegal education programs are essential to prepare the students on ethics and professional responsibility for the challenges of today's paralegal careers.

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20Aug/11Off

Law Firm – A General Overview

Seventy five percent of the over one million licensed attorneys in the US work under private practice. Lawyers in private practice work either in a solo practice or in a law firm consisting of two or more attorneys.

Lawyers employed by a firm work as either partners or associates. Partners share both the profits and risks, while associates are those who have not yet realized full partnership status. Firms also employ the help of other types of legal ones including clerks, legal secretaries, litigation support, IT personnel, administrators, file clerks, legal nurse consultants and marketing professionals.

Practitioners who work in a solo practice often act as a "jack of all trades". These professionals offer legal services in a broad range of areas. This is in contrast to professionals involved with larger practices who typically specialize in one or two designated aspects of the legal system.

Some common specialties are:
1. Labor and Employment
2. Appellate
3. Family
4. Taxes
5. Criminal
6. Bankruptcy

Billing

These professionals are given the task of tracking each and every minute of their time in order to bill the client. Practices often impose large monthly and yearly billable hour requirements on their partners, paralegals, and associates, making law firm employment one of the most stressful and demanding environments in the corporate world.

Hours

Long hours are often required of employees in order to generate revenue. However, while many attorneys often work 50 to 80 hours per week, not all practices run as such. Each business has their own requirements and culture.

Balancing Work and Life

In many cases, the demand for time placed on professionals limit their ability to pursue activities outside the office. A recent study composed by the Texas Bar Associate found the 18% would exchange fewer hours for a decrease in compensation, provided treatment and advancement opportunities would not be compromised.

Education

Lawyers must undergo an extensive line of training to become licensed. While requirements vary by state, the general education includes:
1. Four-year undergraduate degree
2. Three years of law school education
3. Passing of the state bar exam
4. Passing of the ethics exam

After completing the process, many individuals begin applying to firms in their area. The career goes from there. As stated above, there are many various positions within the legal field, along with a bundle of specialties to choose from. Although the road to becoming part of a law firm is a long one, many find the rewards far outweigh any downside they can find.

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10Aug/11Off

Opportunities for Gaining an Online Education in Law

Are you looking to gain the education needed to pursue a successful career in law, but don't have the time to complete a traditional education program. There are numerous options available to you through accredited online schools and colleges. You have the opportunity to gain the skills you need to enter into the law career you desire, by completing online training from the comfort of your own home. Not all training can be completed online and some online law programs are not accredited. Studies can be completed in specialized areas of study and allow you to choose the level of training you would like to receive.

Training for a career in law will require a lot of time and dedication, as programs typically require a lot of concentration and effort. You can receive the knowledge you need to work in numerous positions by enrolling in an accredited online degree training program. Education is available at the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Juridical Science levels. You can prepare by completing all required coursework and deciding on the career that's right for you.

Juris Doctor

Online training for a degree of this level can require you to complete four years of educational study. You can prepare for a career by studying courses like contracts, civil procedure, legal method, evidence, property law, taxation, and much more. Receiving skills in areas like these will prepare you to seek work with private law offices, courthouses, and more. When you choose to obtain a Juris Doctor you will have the chance to enter the workforce or further your education at a higher level.

Master of Laws

Enrollment in an online Master of Laws degree program, you can expect to spend approximately one additional year on training. Studies will cover various topics that will give you the skills to seek employment after graduation. Course subjects may consist of studying communications, criminal law, litigation, tax law, employment law, and much more. Training in these areas will prepare you to seek the employment you long for working with a variety of professionals in the legal field. Further education can be obtained by enrolling in a higher education program.

Doctor of Juridical Science

When pursuing an education at the Doctor of Juridical Science level, you can complete all required training in as little as two to five years. Training will include the study of various topics such as accounting, legal research, law office management, dispute resolution, and a number of other related subjects. The opportunity to gain an online education is available through a variety of educational programs. You can enroll in the program that fits your individual needs and goals to start the path to an exciting new career.

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