Sunday

How to Begin an Online Paralegal Certification Program


By Lanee’ Blunt

Become a paralegal--
image by Google images.

Having a paralegal certificate is not mandatory but it may help you land the job. If you already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another major you may get a paralegal certificate and enter the field. There is an examination process and the certification program requires that you have one year experience. A program offers specialized training for paralegals with an internship for the student to go into a specific area of law.

Online paralegal certification programs are popular for people that work full time. Online programs are an excellent option for students that have to travel a long distance. Many different online schools offer degree programs and certificate programs. Courses students take are legal research, introduction to the legal system and paralegal, ethics, contracts, civil litigation and contracts. There will be assigned reading and textbook work, online content assignments and testing.

There are a lot of recognized schools that have online paralegal certification programs. The online program offers students flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. It may take you from three months to one year to complete the certification program. Students are allowed to live anywhere in the United States and can enroll in an online school of their choosing. The median wage of paralegals is $46,680 annually. Top earning paralegals make in the range of $70,000 a year with bonuses and overtime pay. If the law firm is busy working on a big case a paralegal can be expected to work long hours. Most paralegals receive benefit packages such as medical insurance, dental and life insurance, reimbursement for continued legal education, 401(K) savings, paid sick leave, vacation, and personal time off.

Reference:

Wednesday

How to Become a Certified Paralegal


By Lanee’ Blunt

With just a few months you can
earn a certificate--
Image by Mihow.

Certification is not a requirement for getting a paralegal job, but it could be an asset on your resume. Certification programs are great for career changers that already have an associate or bachelor’s degree in another area. For some programs a student will need at least one year of experience and must pass an examination. Most offer an internship in a specialized area of law which helps the student gain experience by working a few months for example, in a law firm or government agency.

A quality paralegal education will assist you in the following competencies: critical thinking, computer information, communication, organization and ethics. The coursework will include contracts, legal research, writing, legal ethics, and civil litigation. A certificate can be completed in as little as 7 month’s full time, or part time may take about 17 months or longer. Classes are offered in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends. Some colleges offer online classes.
Make sure that you register with a paralegal certification program that is approved by an American Bar Association (ABA).

Post bachelor programs are also offered for people that already have a bachelor’s degree. If you have a degree in another major you may get a paralegal certificate in a specialized area of paralegal training. Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings to an attorney. They must be good researchers, know the terminology, and be proficient on a computer.

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More