Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Online Paralegal Course: The Academic Requirement

Online Paralegal Courses

Basically there are no particular academic requirements to become a paralegal. But, applicants with law degree or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies will definitely be prioritized.

The common and easiest way to have educational qualification is to attend 2-year associate degree on paralegal studies. But for those who already have bachelor’s degree on a different field, you may attend paralegal certification programs that usually take a few months. Some good employers also give on-the-job paralegal trainings for selected applicants who are also degree holders on a different field.

Even though not all time true, but applicants who have paralegal certifications are preferred by most employers. One can get a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification by taking up a 2-day examination. Paralegals with bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of paralegal experience can take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam to earn a Registered Paralegal (RP) certification.

You don’t have to worry because there are more than enough paralegal organizations that offer certification programs one can take to spruce up one’s resume. This is including online paralegal courses.

First and foremost, a paralegal needs to have an exquisite knowledge of the legal jargon. This is because what employer’s looks at applicant are paralegal skills and knowledge as selection criteria.

Excellent investigative and research skill is also a requirement since the job description entails retrieving data from various indexes such as law libraries, online archives, and most of the time, field works. A paralegal also should be computer and Internet-savvy to carry out research duties in the office as the lawyer necessitates.

Excellent written communication skills to document and present findings and draft legal documents are also needed. Oral communication skills have to be honed since paralegals may need to discuss findings with supervising attorneys, clients and other resource person.

More than anything else, a paralegal must also abide with legal ethics and confidentiality standards as much as the lawyer does. Confidence, resourcefulness and perseverance are vital work attitude to make a career not only as paralegal, but in the field of law in general.

Online Paralegal Courses

Feed Shark






Turbo Tagger

No comments: