Paralegals, also known as paralegals, are trained, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals who work under the command of a legal representative or notary. The expressions paralegal and paralegal are well thought of as indistinguishable and transposable in the legal industry. Basically, paralegals are not allowed to give legal advice and must make it clear that they are not lawyers. Paralegals at all costs must work under the command of a legal representative and do not have the authority to set authorized fees or present cases in a courtroom.

Regardless of the limitations set forth above, a paralegal performs a number of functions. In addition to common secretarial duties, paralegals may handle client interviews and stay in contact with clients; administer investigations, carry out legal research to confirm the details of a case, also make legal decisions, precedent legal articles, etc. There are more specific procedures that depend on the demanding employer company, conglomerate and/or authorized practice.

Steps to become a paralegal

Step #1: Check with your high school guidance counselor for suggestions regarding institutes that offer paralegal degrees and certificates.

Step #2: Get catalogs from such schools and make sure that the paralegal programs are accepted by the American Bar Association (ABA); considering that many are not. This step is highly dependent on the choice of attorneys in your area, meaning whether they prefer ABA-approved college programs; make sure you get into one of those, as other programs may not get you anywhere.

Step #3 – Decide if you will complete a high school graduate paralegal certificate program, or if you would like to go on to a two- or four-year college paralegal program. Make sure you know that many paralegals today earn at least a bachelor’s degree, especially if they want to work for top organizations.

Step #4: Visit some of the schools you have in mind. Make sure they are recognized for being proficient in preparing a multitude of internships for their students.

Step #5: Your next step is to decide on an area of ​​legal specialty if you plan to work for a good law firm or for the government. You can choose from corporate law, criminal law, exclusive rights and copyright, etc.

Step #6: Make sure you learn about online computer research and legal software programs. A large part of your job would involve the use of a computer.

Step #7 – Plan to eventually be qualified by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) through a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) title. This would be a definite boost for his career.