Paralegal Archives - Generations College https://www.generations.edu/category/paralegal/ Living the Legacy Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:05:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.1 https://www.generations.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png Paralegal Archives - Generations College https://www.generations.edu/category/paralegal/ 32 32 CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARALEGALS https://www.generations.edu/continuing-education-and-professional-development-opportunities-for-paralegals/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 23:15:00 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8101 For those in the legal field, earning a paralegal degree or certification does not signal the end of the learning journey. Because the practice of law continues to evolve, paralegals must stay on top of developments and changes impacting their profession. Doing so can improve a paralegal’s productivity and ability to meet ongoing challenges at work, while demonstrating a commitment to the legal profession. Earning a paralegal certification also comes with continuing education requirements which paralegals must meet in order to renew their certifications.

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CONTINUED EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARALEGALS

Continuing education for paralegals does not need to be boring, nor does it need to be irrelevant to the type of work you perform. Choosing subjects that interest you will help you get more out of your continuing education coursework and enable you to put what you learned into practice at work. If you are searching for new career opportunities, listing the categories for completed courses on your resume can also make you more attractive to potential employers.

Some of the many available continuing education options available to paralegals include:

ETHICS

Paralegals must adhere to high ethical standards. Continuing education courses focused on advanced ethics may provide situational examples to help paralegals recognize and learn strategies to avoid potential ethical pitfalls.

LEGAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Legal project management courses involve learning to navigate various aspects of project management for law firms and legal departments more efficiently. These stages include the initiation phase, planning and execution stages, and ultimately delivering the final work product. This type of course can help paralegals provide better client service, thereby adding more value to their employers.

BUSINESS LAW

Paralegals working for attorneys who handle business law matters can benefit from this type of coursework. Continuing education courses focused on business law often cover the differences between various legal business entity structures and other relevant information.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

If you support attorneys who work with patents, copyrights and trademarks, choosing continuing education courses in intellectual property law can help you better understand this niche area of law.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Courses in professional responsibility reintroduce and underscore the high standards to which paralegals must hold themselves. This type of course generally reminds paralegals how their roles differ from licensed attorneys’ roles and highlights the importance of competence in the paralegal profession.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARALEGALS

Many people choose to pursue lifelong careers as paralegals and enjoy personal and professional job satisfaction from doing so. However, you could choose to leverage your paralegal training in other ways, such as:

  • Conflicts analyst: People in this role in law firms are responsible for vetting potential clients and adversaries to identify any possible conflicts of interest which could preclude representation.
  • Nurse paralegal: If you earn a nursing degree and complete training as a paralegal, you could work as a nurse paralegal for an insurance company, government agency or law firm focused on health law.
  • Paralegal manager: If you enjoy leading people, you could work as a paralegal manager, helping guide a team of paralegals, hire and train staff, and assign responsibilities.
  • Legal sales: Legal sales professionals often represent software companies and other services marketed to law firms and attorneys.
  • Legal recruiter: You could leverage your legal knowledge and human resources acumen to work as a recruiter, helping attorneys and other legal professionals find their dream jobs.
  • Attorney: Finally, you could choose to continue your education by going on to become a licensed attorney. This career path requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, as well as meeting state-specific licensing requirements.

DISCOVER WHERE A PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE CAN TAKE YOUR CAREER!

Continuing education and other professional development opportunities can help paralegals demonstrate their value to their current employers and provide foundational knowledge to prepare motivated paralegals for other related career paths.

Generations College has been educating paralegals for more than 50 years, having established the first paralegal studies program in Illinois in 1973. Contact us today to learn more about our fully accredited on-campus and online paralegal studies degree programs.

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PARALEGALS AND TECHNOLOGY https://www.generations.edu/paralegals-and-technology/ Mon, 15 May 2023 23:19:58 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8103 Technological innovations have had a significant impact on the legal field in recent decades, for attorneys and paralegals alike. Gone are the days of typing pleadings and other documents on typewriters and filing them in person at the courthouse. Advances in technology have also led to new ways of storing, securing, and sharing legal files. […]

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Technological innovations have had a significant impact on the legal field in recent decades, for attorneys and paralegals alike. Gone are the days of typing pleadings and other documents on typewriters and filing them in person at the courthouse. Advances in technology have also led to new ways of storing, securing, and sharing legal files.

Unlike some careers where there is a concern that technology will replace the need for human workers, the future of paralegals and technology seem to be intertwined in several ways, creating a sense of job security for paralegals who understand and are adept at working with the technologies of today and tomorrow.

RECOGNIZING THE ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OF THE CLOUD

Paralegals are often tasked with organizing and maintaining client records, court filings, and firm-related documentation. In the not-too-distant past, this meant managing paper records in manila folders. An increased adoption of — and reliance on — cloud storage by law firms and corporate legal departments has created career opportunities for new and aspiring paralegals who are comfortable creating, securing, accessing, and sharing electronic documents and files.

PARALEGALS WHO UNDERSTAND TECHNOLOGY CAN BETTER SUPPORT THE FIRM

While a paralegal’s job description does not usually include “IT Support,” there is often nobody else on staff who has the time or capability to help partners, staff attorneys, and others understand and use new technologies effectively. In addition to serving as ad hoc IT staffers, paralegals may also be called upon to help the firm with its social media presence, draft security policies related to employees’ use of technology, and otherwise add value in unanticipated ways. Paralegals who are adept at using technology are in high demand because of their ability to help enhance their firms’ capabilities.

SOFTWARE PROFICIENCY IS NO LONGER SIMPLY A BONUS SKILL

At one time, knowing how to use popular legal research tools such as LexisNexis or Westlaw and knowing the ins and outs of the Microsoft Office Suite of software tools might have given a candidate for a paralegal role an advantage against other candidates. Today, however, it is almost an expectation that paralegals will not only recognize these tools, but also will be proficient in using them. The strongest paralegals today often have an advanced working knowledge of these tools, as well as legal, litigation management, and productivity software applications — both for personal computers as well as their corresponding smartphone and tablet versions.

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY FOR LITIGATION SUPPORT HAVE CREATED OPPORTUNITIES

E-discovery tools and case management software have further changed the job description for many paralegals, shifting manual processes to highly automated systems for preparing for litigation. Paralegals (and aspiring paralegals) in litigation-heavy firms or corporate legal departments can differentiate themselves from the competition and add value by gaining proficiency with the most common software tools and programs (i.e., Concordance and Trial Director).

BECOMING A PARALEGAL

Although there is not a national educational requirement to become a paralegal, some states have implemented minimum education and certification requirements. Earning an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree takes about two years, compared to about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Additional paralegal certifications are also available through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

Upon graduation from a college-level paralegal program, degree holders should understand how to perform typical paralegal job responsibilities such as preparing documents and using traditional law library resources to conduct effective legal research. In addition, graduates will recognize and be able to use legal technology for legal research, writing, and case management tasks.

GENERATIONS COLLEGE IS TRAINING TOMORROW’S PARALEGALS TODAY

The future is bright for aspiring paralegals who can not only use technology effectively, but who are willing to embrace it and leverage its power to help their employers succeed.

At Generations College, we’ve been training paralegals for successful careers since 1973. With both traditional on-campus and fully accredited online degree programs, we are committed to providing the highest-quality education for the paralegals of tomorrow. Contact us to learn more about our Paralegal Studies Major, or apply online today!

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WHAT IS A PARALEGAL VS. A LAWYER? https://www.generations.edu/what-is-a-paralegal-vs-a-lawyer/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:34:37 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8106 Within the legal industry, there are different roles and professions. Have you ever found yourself wondering “what is a paralegal vs. a lawyer”? How do job responsibilities differ between the two roles, and what it takes to work in this field? While there are many similarities between the two careers, there are also some key differences. If you want to work in the legal field, having a better understanding of these roles can help you make more informed decisions about which career path best suits you.

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WHAT DO PARALEGALS DO?

Paralegals and attorneys often handle many of the same job responsibilities. However, paralegals perform their roles under the supervision of one or more licensed attorneys, assisting them with a range of legal tasks. Some of the most common work assignments include:

  • Conducting legal research
  • Meeting with clients
  • Organizing client files
  • Managing calendars
  • Taking statements from witnesses
  • Drafting legal documents and filings
  • Preparing correspondence
  • Assisting attorneys with trial preparation
  • Coordinating and helping with depositions, hearings, and trials

While many paralegals work in law firms, others work in corporate legal departments, insurance companies, financial services organizations, as well as in government agencies.

WHAT DO LAWYERS DO?

Licensed attorneys, particularly in solo practices or small law firms, often handle all of the paralegal responsibilities identified above. In addition, lawyers are responsible for:

  • Providing legal advice to clients
  • Representing clients in legal proceedings
  • Setting legal fees
  • Developing and implementing strategies designed to help meet clients’ needs
  • Interpreting and applying legal research to clients’ legal matters
  • Preparing and filing legal documents, including lawsuits, responses, contracts, and wills and trusts

HOW DO PARALEGALS’ JOB RESPONSIBILITIES DIFFER FROM LAWYERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES?

There are a number of similarities between what lawyers do and what paralegals do. Both roles typically interact with clients, and both engage in legal research and writing tasks. However, paralegals are not allowed to provide legal advice to clients, set legal fees, or represent clients in legal proceedings. In addition, paralegals must work under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PARALEGAL?

Becoming an attorney requires completing a juris doctor (law) degree and being admitted to practice law by one or more states. In contrast, an aspiring paralegal can qualify for a career in the field through formal education, training, and experience gained while working for one or more lawyers. At the national level, there is not a standardized education requirement for paralegals. However, some states have implemented education and/or initial certification requirements as well as continuing education standards for paralegals.

Aspiring paralegals can meet such requirements by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and by pursuing certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Earning a degree or pursuing a formal paralegal certification can demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the requisite knowledge, skills, and dedication to the legal field to be a valuable addition to their law firm or corporate legal department. Paralegal courses will help you:

  • Understand legal terminology
  • Learn how to conduct legal research
  • Improve writing skills
  • Enhance critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Prepare legal documents
  • Identify and avoid potential ethical pitfalls

GENERATIONS COLLEGE PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL PARALEGAL CAREERS

Pursuing a role in the legal field as either a paralegal or an attorney takes time and effort, but the result can be a long, successful, and rewarding career. Generations College, based in the heart of Chicago, has been educating paralegals since 1973 and is proud to offer the oldest two-year Paralegal Studies program in Illinois.

To learn more about earning an associate degree online or on campus, contact us or apply online today!

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PARALEGAL JOB OUTLOOK https://www.generations.edu/paralegal-job-outlook/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:49:21 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8112 Paralegals play key roles in many busy law firms and corporate legal departments. Paralegals support attorneys in a variety of ways, from researching and organizing complex information to coordinating filings and preparing exhibits for use in court proceedings. While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this career just as it impacted so many others, the paralegal job outlook remains strong, with estimated growth of 14% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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THE PARALEGAL CAREER OUTLOOK OVER THE NEXT DECADE

At 14%, the projected growth rate for paralegals is robust; this career is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the average for all other occupations. In fact, there will be a projected 45,800 job openings every year between 2021 and 2031, representing both added jobs as well as the need to replace paralegals who retire, change careers, or otherwise exit the workforce.

There are a number of reasons for the continued growth in this field. Trained paralegals can perform many of the same tasks attorneys typically handle, at a lower cost to the end client or employing corporation. By handling administrative matters for their supervising attorneys, paralegals effectively free up attorneys’ time so they can focus on establishing the attorney-client relationship, setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and representing clients — tasks which must be performed by licensed attorneys.

TYPICAL PARALEGAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The specific job responsibilities you may be asked to perform as a paralegal will depend on several factors, including the size and focus of your employing law firm or company. However, paralegals commonly perform the following tasks:

  • Participate in client intake meetings and gather facts
  • Conduct legal research, compiling relevant statutes and case law
  • Handle discovery and review documents
  • Maintain paper and electronic records
  • Gather evidence and prepare trial exhibits
  • Draft legal documents, petitions, and correspondence
  • Obtain witness statements and affidavits
  • Assist counsel during legal proceedings
  • Schedule meetings for supervising attorney(s) with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel
  • File petitions, pleadings, complaints, responses, and appeals with the courts
  • Maintaining the firm’s/legal department’s internal law library

PARALEGAL JOBS IN POST-PANDEMIC U.S.

As was the case with many other fields, the legal profession changed in firms large and small when pandemic-related lockdowns in 2020 closed businesses and forced companies to find alternative methods of continuing to serve clients. The industry largely pivoted, embracing remote meeting technologies and relying on electronic filings and records to a much greater degree than was the case pre-pandemic.

Demand for attorneys increased as businesses sought legal advice and assistance with a range of new challenges, including cybersecurity; federal, state, and local regulations; contractual issues; corporate governance; and more.

As the need for qualified attorneys grew, so too did the need for skilled paralegals who could comfortably work in an environment which was largely online. Thanks to paralegals’ efforts, many law firms and corporations were able to successfully navigate the uncharted waters of the pandemic and emerge stronger than ever.

PARALEGAL JOB GROWTH AND COMPENSATION

The growth in the number of paralegal jobs in recent years seems to be directly correlated to paralegals’ salaries. In May 2021, the median annual wage for paralegals across the country was $56,230, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $88,640/year. Paralegals working in federal government, finance and insurance, and state/local government roles tend to command higher salaries than those working in traditional law firms.

Ultimately, the paralegal occupational outlook is positive, with projected continued growth over the coming decade. People considering pursuing paralegal careers can do so with some confidence. Generations College offers traditional on-campus and online Paralegal Studies Associate of Science degree programs, designed to prepare aspiring paralegals for a lifetime of career success in this thriving and rewarding field. Contact Generations College to learn more, or apply online today to take the first step toward your future as a paralegal!

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ETHICAL RULES FOR PARALEGALS https://www.generations.edu/ethical-rules-for-paralegals/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:42:24 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8110 The paralegal career can be challenging, but it can also be tremendously rewarding — both personally and professionally. By applying their knowledge and skills to the tasks assigned by their supervising attorneys, talented paralegals can add value to their employing law firm, corporation, or government agency and, ultimately, improve the client experience.

To succeed in this growing field, it is critical to understand the ethical rules for paralegals and avoid potential pitfalls. Ignorance of the rules is generally not a valid excuse for violating them, and a failure to uphold ethical standards can have long-lasting career implications. By educating yourself about paralegal ethics, you can enter the workforce with more confidence.

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ACT WITH INTEGRITY

As members of the legal profession, paralegals are expected to comport themselves professionally and with personal integrity at all times. In addition, paralegals must demonstrate competence in their roles, carrying out assigned job responsibilities with care and seeking guidance and additional training when confronted with something new.

MAINTAIN CLIENT PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

In addition to acting with integrity, paralegals must understand and uphold client confidentiality and legal privilege. Paralegals frequently encounter highly sensitive client information in the course of carrying out their duties and are expected to keep such information confidential. This includes information captured and retained in written and electronic documents and client correspondence, verbal (and even non-verbal) communication with or about clients, and any other form of communication which might contain privileged information. Your obligation to uphold client confidentiality extends beyond your employment with a particular law firm or company even if you no longer have any role serving the clients in question.

DON’T BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN THE PARALEGAL AND ATTORNEY ROLES

As a paralegal, transparency about your role is important. In many firms, paralegals are the first point of contact with potential clients. These clients may assume the legal professional they are talking to is, in fact, a licensed attorney. Legal ethics rules for paralegals require that paralegals disclose that they are paralegals and not lawyers. Paralegals must also take care not to promise that their supervising attorneys or employer firms will be able to obtain any type of specific results for clients’ legal cases — no matter how straightforward a case may seem.

AVOID THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW

State bar association rules mandate that certain responsibilities be handled only by attorneys licensed in the applicable jurisdiction. Specifically, paralegals (and anyone else who is not authorized to practice law) may not determine legal fees, enter contracts with clients establishing an attorney-client privilege, represent clients in court, or provide legal advice or opinions. Allegations that someone engaged in the unauthorized practice of law are taken seriously and can result in career-altering consequences.

UNDERSTAND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Finally, paralegals should seek to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest that could impact legal outcomes and make full and fair disclosure of such conflicts. Conflicts can arise under a variety of circumstances, including when a paralegal changes law firms and has information about a former client that, if shared, could be beneficial or detrimental to a client or potential client at their new firm. Paralegals can avoid violating ethics rules by proactively seeking to identify potential conflicts and obtaining client waivers or excusing themselves from working on client cases when conflicts of interest are present.

Keeping these potential ethical issues in mind can help ensure you do not inadvertently violate the rules as a working paralegal. Generations College Paralegal Studies Major includes in-depth instruction about these potential ethical concerns and much more. We offer both traditional on-campus degree programs and fully accredited online degree programs you can complete entirely from the comfort of your own home. Contact us to learn more, or apply online today!

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WHAT TO DO WITH A PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE: JOBS & CAREER OPTIONS https://www.generations.edu/what-to-do-with-a-paralegal-studies-degree-jobs-career-options/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 23:12:08 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8153 Earning a college degree in paralegal studies can lead to a variety of career options that are both personally and professionally rewarding. Paralegal studies programs teach students fundamental legal skills including how to conduct effective research, analyze data and evidence, and create clear and concise documentation.

For college students who are interested in legal studies, a paralegal degree provides an introduction to key legal concepts while developing skills in the field via real-world experience. Earning a degree in paralegal studies can give a graduate a competitive edge in the job market and potentially meet prerequisites for advanced degrees.

Many graduates choose to enter the job market as paralegals right after graduation. However, as discussed more fully below, this degree can also open the door to several other exciting paralegal studies degree jobs.

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UNDERSTANDING PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAMS

The specific classes in paralegal studies degree programs vary somewhat from one college to another. In general, you can expect to study legal research and writing, legal terminology and communication, civil procedure, criminal procedure, family law, business law, tort law, real estate law, trust and estate law, law office management and more.

In addition to these core concepts, this curriculum is designed to help students hone their critical thinking and analysis skills, become proficient at document preparation and understand potential ethical pitfalls they might encounter in this field.

An associate degree in paralegal studies typically takes about two years to complete.

FIVE COMMON CAREERS FOR GRADUATES WITH PARALEGAL DEGREES

The skills students gain and develop when pursuing paralegal studies degrees are useful in many types of roles, both within and outside the legal industry. Here are five common paralegal degree jobs:

Paralegal

Typically, paralegals help attorneys with a range of tasks, including conducting research, preparing evidence for trial, assisting with document preparation, interviewing clients and handling administrative matters for the supervising attorney. Paralegals work in law offices of all sizes, as well as in corporate legal departments.

Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries typically work in law offices. In addition to managing attorneys’ schedules and drafting correspondence for the attorney and law firm, legal secretaries may draft documents for specific cases.

Mediator

Mediators play key roles in the legal industry, helping facilitate conversations between parties when other attempts to resolve disputes or contractual issues have failed. Mediators use their communication skills and draft agreements to document the parties’ decisions.

Tax Preparer

Some people who earn paralegal studies degrees choose to work as tax preparers, although this role is not traditionally considered part of the legal industry. Tax preparers help individuals and business customers prepare and file their federal, state and local tax returns, as applicable. This role relies upon the same type of critical thinking, analysis, research and communication skills gained through paralegal studies programs.

Claims Adjuster

Another role outside the legal field for paralegal studies graduates is working as a claims adjuster in the insurance industry. Claims adjusters are responsible for analyzing customers’ policies when claims arise, conducting interviews and working to determine coverage and claim settlement amounts.

EXPLORE GENERATIONS COLLEGE PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM

As you can see, a paralegal studies degree is versatile and can prepare you for career success in a variety of roles. Ultimately, earning a degree in paralegal studies demonstrates to future employers that you have learned the skills needed to be a valuable part of their team.

Generations College offers fully-accredited paralegal studies degree programs both in a traditional on-campus learning environment as well as an online degree option, which can be completed entirely online from the comfort of your own home.

For more information, contact us today. If you are ready to take the first step toward one of the exciting careers outlined above, apply online quickly and easily!

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EIGHT TYPES OF PARALEGALS https://www.generations.edu/eight-types-of-paralegals/ Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:23:20 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8342 When earning a Paralegal Studies degree from Generations College in Chicago, you gain a valuable platform that provides the flexibility to put your education into practice in a variety of settings. Job responsibilities differ for various types of paralegals. In general, paralegals in any industry play an important role in serving clients.

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When earning a Paralegal Studies degree from Generations College in Chicago, you gain a valuable platform that provides the flexibility to put your education into practice in a variety of settings. Job responsibilities differ for various types of paralegals. In general, paralegals in any industry play an important role in serving clients.

Common types of jobs for paralegals include the following:

1. Corporate Paralegal

When you think of a paralegal, you probably imagine someone who works for a law firm, providing support to the firm’s attorneys and partners. While that is the career path for many people who earn their paralegal degrees, another rewarding option is to become a corporate paralegal.

As a corporate paralegal, the company is the legal department’s client. Corporate paralegals typically get involved in business tasks including matters related to the board of directors and their meetings, corporate filings and reports, merger activities, and more.

2. Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal

Paralegals who work for estate planning and probate law firms (or inside the estate planning or probate practice for firms with multiple practice areas) get to learn about helping clients pass on their financial legacies according to state trust and probate codes.

In this type of role, expect to help prepare documents and filings. You will likely work directly with clients that want to prepare or update their estate plans or that need help managing the probate court process for deceased loved ones’ estates. Some estate planning and probate practices also handle estate and trust legal contests, so paralegals’ responsibilities can include helping attorneys prepare for litigation, as well.

3. Family Law Paralegal

Clients that engage family law firms are generally dealing with emotionally stressful situations. Whether a client has hired the firm to assist with a divorce, custody battle or some other matter, family law paralegals often need to draw on their knowledge and training as well as on being empathetic listeners for clients.

As a family law paralegal, you might draft motions and agreements; compile evidence to support the firms’ cases; maintain organized records to support attorneys when legal matters go to trial; and communicate with clients, attorneys and other parties.

4. Government Paralegal

Government paralegals may work for local courts and government offices, state agencies, or federal government offices or agencies. When working for a government agency, the “client” is often the public constituency as a whole, rather than individual people or companies.

Your work as a corporate paralegal depends largely on the type of agency or government office for which you work. For example, paralegals working for agencies that deal with public housing will need to have an understanding of real estate law and regulations, whereas government paralegals working in the financial sector will work with an entirely different set of government regulations.

5. Immigration Paralegal

If you choose to work as an immigration paralegal, it will be important to understand the various types of U.S. immigration visa programs and policies. Immigration paralegals may work for the government, but they might also work for private law firms or nonprofits charged with helping people obtain citizenship or legal documentation allowing them to enter or remain in the United States.

Immigration paralegals who speak more than one language are often more attractive to potential employers, as the company’s clients may be more comfortable working with someone who is fluent in their language. In this role, you could help complete and file immigration paperwork, or help attorneys prepare for hearings and trials.

6. Intellectual Property Paralegal

Intellectual property law includes a range of legal matters including trademark law, copyright law, patents, trade secrets and other proprietary information. Intellectual paralegals could work for private enterprises or government agencies.

Your responsibilities in this role can include researching existing intellectual property filings; helping attorneys and their clients with assembling and filing applications for trademarks, patents and copyrights; responding to inquiries, communicating with clients and other parties, and preparing exhibits for litigation.

7. Litigation Paralegal

Law firms that handle litigation matters rely on litigation paralegals for a variety of tasks. Litigation often involves vast amounts of data and documents; paralegals play key roles in helping gather, review and summarize information in the discovery phase of litigation.

Litigation paralegals are also often responsible for maintaining organized records, preparing motions and other court filings, assisting with depositions, interviewing clients, and helping attorneys with other matters related to their clients’ legal cases.

8. Real Estate Paralegal

Paralegals who decide to focus their careers in the real estate field may work for Realtors, title companies, appraisers, property management and leasing companies, or corporate real estate departments.

To be an effective real estate paralegal, you will need to be well-versed in commercial and residential real estate purchases, sales and leases. You should also understand how title insurance works. Depending on your role, you might work directly with individual or corporate clients, help by preparing forms and filings for clients’ signatures, and conduct research into county property records.

Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Earning your Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree from Generations College prepares you to succeed in any of the above types of jobs for paralegals. To learn more about this exciting and versatile degree, contact Generations College today!

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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PARALEGAL DEGREE? https://www.generations.edu/what-can-you-do-with-a-paralegal-degree/ Fri, 03 Jan 2020 14:20:40 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8376 When you see the word “paralegal,” what comes to mind? For many people, the word conjures images of busy professionals assisting lawyers in large, corporate law firms, handling research tasks, helping with client service and preparing filings. The reality is that paralegals work in a variety of exciting settings — corporate law firm roles being just one of the options available to people who have earned their paralegal degrees.

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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH PARALEGAL DEGREES 
  • Legal secretary/legal assistant: Legal assistants, particularly those who work in smaller law offices, have the opportunity to gain broad experience. This experience can help them decide whether they want to focus in a specific legal specialty area. The 2018 median annual pay for secretaries and assistants was $38,880.
  • Clerks or administrative roles for local courts: You could also choose to put your paralegal training to practice in an administrative or clerical role for your county or municipal court system. In this role, you would likely conduct some research and handle client-facing interactions. Information clerks earned a median salary of $34,520 in 2018.
  • Real estate/title insurance roles: Working in a real estate office or for a title company, paralegals perform duties including preparing real estate documents and forms, researching title issues, and assisting real estate buyers and sellers. The 2018 median salary for this type of financial clerk was $39,570.
  • Corporate paralegal: Paralegals employed by corporate law firms may specialize in a particular area of law, assisting one or more staff attorneys on a day-to-day basis, or may be generalists, helping wherever needed. In 2018, paralegals earned a median annual salary of $50,940 per year. (Note: This salary data includes corporate paralegals, public defender’s office paralegals, not-for-profit paralegals and government paralegals.)
  • Public defender’s office paralegals: Instead of working for a law firm that represents private clients, you could work for your local public defender’s office. Paralegals in these roles must understand criminal procedure and law, and must be adept at conducting legal research and writing tasks.
  • Not-for-profit roles: Paralegals who choose to work at not-for-profit organizations are usually passionate about the type of work the not-for-profit does.
  • Government jobs: There are a variety of exciting government jobs for trained paralegals, including specializing in insurance, housing or other areas.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING A GOOD PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAM!

As you can see from the above list, if you were wondering, “What can I do with a paralegal degree?” the answer is a lot! There are many educational programs for paralegals. Don’t make the mistake of assuming they are all of the same quality. Your future career success as a paralegal starts with your degree program.

At Generations College, we have been teaching paralegals since 1973. Our Paralegal Studies degree program is designed to prepare students for life after graduation by providing real-world, hands-on learning opportunities. We pride ourselves on excellence in education, offering small class sizes with courses taught year-round by faculty who are all licensed, practicing attorneys. Our Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies is fully accredited and approved.

Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Ready to learn more about what you can do with a paralegal degree, and about Generations College’s Paralegal Studies Associate Degree program? Contact Generations College today!

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BEST ALTERNATIVE CAREERS FOR PARALEGALS https://www.generations.edu/best-alternative-careers-for-paralegals/ Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:51:44 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8437 When you earn a paralegal degree, you will have gained a foundational knowledge that allows you to be successful in a variety of careers. Of course, you could choose to work in a traditional paralegal role at a law firm. Instead, you could work in one of these exciting jobs.

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When you earn a paralegal degree, you will have gained a foundational knowledge that allows you to be successful in a variety of careers. Of course, you could choose to work in a traditional paralegal role at a law firm. Instead, you could work in one of these exciting jobs:

  • Title insurance professional: In real estate, paralegals play an important role in real estate firms and title companies. If you go this path, you can expect to put your research abilities to the test, as well as your writing and organizational skills. You’ll need to understand real estate-specific regulations, terms and processes as you help prepare real estate transactions for closing.
  • Office manager: Being an office manager takes a certain skill set including advanced organizational capabilities; a comfort with office technology tools; the ability to research, gather and process information, and make decisions; communication efficiency; and more. These skills mirror those taught in most paralegal studies degree programs, making the officer manager role a natural fit.
  • Corporate legal assistant: Some paralegals opt to use their paralegal training to work inside the legal department of a corporation rather than working for a law firm. As a corporate legal assistant, you will likely support one or more attorneys by organizing files and records, researching the law, maintaining records, writing reports, preparing affidavits, filing documents with the courts or regulatory bodies, etc.
  • Government agency paralegal: Our federal, state and local governments are full of agencies that need trained paralegals and other professionals to complete tasks related to the specific area of law handled by the agency. You can use a variety of skills as you help serve the public — whether that’s in an agency that deals with housing, insurance matters, environmental law or another of a long list of possibilities.
  • Financial services paralegal: Investment advisers, brokerage firms, insurance companies and similar organizations are highly regulated. These types of companies have an ongoing need for trained legal professionals — both attorneys and paralegals — to help them stay on top of filing and disclosure requirements. Paralegals can put their training into action while keeping investors safe.
  • Compliance specialist: Compliance roles are continuing to grow in number and popularity across a variety of industries including health care, finance, insurance and manufacturing. Paralegals in compliance roles work to help ensure the company is meeting its obligations under the law. To be effective in this type of role, paralegals need to be confident and comfortable conducting research, analyzing information and communicating the results of their work.

As you can see, pursuing your paralegal studies degree does not mean you have to work in a traditional law firm environment. These are just some of the many opportunities available to trained paralegals. To learn more about becoming a paralegal, and to take the next step toward an exciting and rewarding career, contact Generations College today.

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THE TOP 7 BENEFITS OF BEING A PARALEGAL https://www.generations.edu/the-top-7-benefits-of-being-a-paralegal/ Mon, 06 May 2019 22:31:58 +0000 https://generations.edu/?p=8456 “Paralegal” continues to be a popular choice for people pursuing their associate degrees. There are several factors behind this popularity; paralegals are in demand and therefore face a certain amount of job security. Paralegals can also work in a variety of environments, playing key roles in helping busy attorneys with their daily legal responsibilities.

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“Paralegal” continues to be a popular choice for people pursuing their associate degrees. There are several factors behind this popularity; paralegals are in demand and therefore face a certain amount of job security. Paralegals can also work in a variety of environments, playing key roles in helping busy attorneys with their daily legal responsibilities.

Whether your dream is to work with clients in a law firm, behind the scenes conducting legal research, or in the legal department at a major corporation, the paralegal career path offers motivated adults the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Becoming a paralegal takes some discipline and a commitment to embark on and complete a rigorous course of study. The benefits can be well-worth the work.

Here are seven of the top reasons to consider pursuing your paralegal studies degree:

  1. Compensation: While compensation for paralegals can vary depending on the type of work environment, the area of the country, industry segment and other factors, paralegals are typically compensated well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for paralegals in the United States in 2018 was $50,940, or $24.49 per hour. The highest 10 percent of employed paralegals earned $82,050 per year in 2018.
  2. Education: Paralegals who pursue associate degree programs can be confident they’re getting a solid grounding in the information and skills employers in the legal industry expect them to have. With a paralegal studies degree, you can complete your training in less than two years, learning what you need to succeed on the job. Look for a program that offers hands-on learning opportunities and internships, to help you explore career options first-hand while you’re still in school.
  3. Steppingstone to continue legal education: Some paralegals enjoy their coursework so much they decide to continue their educations and become attorneys. While they still have to complete law school coursework and pass applicable states’ bar exams, people coming from the paralegal track definitely have a solid foundation in legal systems, legal research and writing, theory, and more that can help them succeed during law school and beyond.
  4. Strong employment outlook: Paralegals enjoy job security today, and forecasts point to a continued strong employment outlook in the years to come. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of paralegal job openings is expected to grow by an astonishing 15 percent by 2026 — much faster than the average for all jobs.
  5. Prestigious career: Decades ago, paralegals were often looked at as little more than attorneys’ secretaries. Thankfully, that has changed over time. As firms and corporations continue to recognize the value paralegals bring, work assignments have grown in complexity and challenge. Paralegals today handle legal research, writing tasks and client communications; manage investigations and interviews; and much more. Paralegals are skilled professionals capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters.
  6. Diversity of work environments: Just as lawyers have versatile options when it comes to their work environments, so too do paralegals. You could choose to work in the corporate legal department for a large or small company. Instead, you might take the traditional law firm route, helping attorneys who focus on certain legal practice areas. Some paralegals decide to go with self-employment, freelancing and making their own schedules.
  7. Fast entry into the legal profession: Where going to law school to become a lawyer takes a grueling three to four years — plus studying for and passing a state bar exam, in most cases — becoming a paralegal is much faster. Many students who earn associate degrees in paralegal studies can do so in about two years’ time.

Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Are you ready to explore whether this exciting career path might be right for you? Contact Generations College today to take the first step toward becoming a paralegal.

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