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