Paralegal profession today 2012

WELCOME

The Paralegal Profession

Abraham Lincoln once said "prepare yourself for the day opportunity presents itself, and you will be rewarded,"

The process of entering a career in paralegal usually consist of several steps to "prepare oneself"

What can a

Paralegal do?

What Types of Careers are Available?

We are paralegals employed?

What do you think?

Paralegals may be employed in:

• Public and private law firms: • Corporations• Government agencies • Banks• Insurance companies• Real estate agencies

Did you know

Employment is expected to grow much faster than average, but competition is expected

• Best Opportunities– Formally trained– Experienced paralegals

Examples of Paralegal Work

• Maintain general contact with clients interview clients

• Conduct legal research • Draft legal documents • Assistant legal investigations • Locate and interview witnesses• Track important deadlines • Know the local court system and attend legal

proceedings

Paralegal careers may include:

Legal Assistant, Department of Justice

Senior Administrative Analyst, City of

Atlanta Solicitor’s Office

Workman's Compensation

Paralegal

Detention Officer Litigation Paralegal Legal Secretary

What Will I Do?

Assist in preparation of hearings,

closings, trials, and corporate meetings.

Investigate the facts of the cases

Identify Important Precedents

Assist attorneys

during trials

Draft Contracts, mortgages,

and separation agreements

Assist in preparing

tax returns, trust funds, and estate planning.

Where Will I Work?

Employment Services

Insurance Carriers

Legal Services

Government Offices

Corporate Legal

Departments

Possible Job TitlesParalegal

Legal Assistant

Claims Adjuster

Examines and Investigators

Law Clerk

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational Health and Safety technicians

Titles Examiners

Abstractors and Searchers

Possible Specialties

• Litigation• Personal Injury• Corporate Law• Criminal Law• Employee Benefits• Intellectual Property• Family Law• Real Estate• Immigration• Bankruptcy• Labor Law

Corporate Paralegals VS. Litigation Paralegals

Corporate ParalegalsEmployee ContractsShareholder AgreementsStock Option PlansEmployee Benefits PlansFile Annual Financial ReportsMaintain Corporate Minutes (record resolutions)Prepare forms to secure loans for corporation.Monitor and review government regulationsMay oversee team projects

Litigations Paralegals• Analyze Legal Information for

internal use• Maintain Reference Files• Conduct Research for attorneys• Collect and Analyze evidence for

agency hearings• May prepare informational material

on laws, agency regulations, and agency policy

• File Forms, Conduct research, and prepare documents

Often Assist With…

Working Conditions

• Work in offices and law libraries• Occasional travel may be required• Generally work a standard 40-hour week

– Most paralegals work year round– Some temporarily employed during peak times– Overtime may be required

Employment in Legal Work

Employment• Paralegals and legal assistants held

about 263,800 jobs in 2008. – Private law firms employed 71 %– Remainder in corporate legal departments

& government

• Federal Government– DOJ is the largest employer– Followed by the SSA and the DOT

• Small number of paralegals – Own their own businesses – Work as freelance legal assistants

Job OutlookEmployment is expected to grow by 28% through

2018!

Why?– Population Growth– Companies Reducing Costs (Paralegals cheaper than

lawyers)– Increase in Paralegal Responsibilities– Growth in Pre-Paid Legal Plans– Increase in the size of “In House” Legal Departments

Obtain Internships at local law offices and companies

Contact local offices and

agencies for volunteer

opportunities

Keep an open min

about your career path

How can I separate myself from other Candidates?

Certifications

& Requirements

NALA Certification

• The National Association of Legal Assistants –

Professional Associations

• www.nala.org -The National Association of Legal Assistants is a professional association for legal assistants, providing continuing education and professional certification programs for paralegals.

• http://aapipara.org - American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program.

• www.paralegals.org - The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam.

Websites for Additional Information and Job Opportunities

• http://www.bls.gov/oco/ - U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor

Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals - Standing Committee

on Paralegals, American Bar Association

• http://www.nals.org/ - National Association of Legal Secretaries

• http://www.aafpe.org/ - American Association for Paralegal Education

• http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ - This is a resource for locating and

applying for job opportunities