In a lawyer’s firm or office, a paralegal does various types of works, he answers the phone calls, takes dictation from the lawyer or attorney, he maintains files, arranges meetings with clients, acts between the court and clients but he cannot proceed in the courts. If there had not been any posts like paralegal, the job of the lawyer would be quite tougher.
Nature of Work of a Paralegal
A paralegal goes through stressful work schedule; he needs to do overtime work and remains busy in taking down the note for the trial which will be placed in the court in upcoming days.
How to Go for the Destination
If you wish to be a paralegal, you should keep some important matters in mind. When a paralegal is appointed in any firm, employers demand experience of work, generally two years to four years degree is required while many states of the USA, want the paralegals having minimum one year experience, in many cases we see the receptionist or legal secretary who are working in the legal firm get through the position of paralegal after completing course training program.
The Ways GO through
For completing an associate degree in paralegal studies, you need up to 24 months, but if you go for paralegal studies, holding a degree in any other field you will need 12 months, for completing bachelor’s degree you will have to spend four years time.
The Course Curriculum
When a candidate is taught the subjects of the course of the paralegal syllabus, he should cover the various topics, firstly he should know about legal writing, he should have skill of knowledge in terms related with legal practice, he must be aware how to administer the law office, a paralegal needs to know about marketing and finance. During his service he must possess the vast knowledge regarding criminal law, and about dispute resolution. With the advancement of science and technology, he must be adaptable with the application of computer in the legal field.
In every case, a student must be minimum high school diploma. After completing the training course program, students get internships, as interns students get the opportunity to serve as paralegals in law firm, corporate legal offices, in government agencies, or many other official organizations where law is required. When the paralegal complete their formal training in the institutes, thereupon they go for voluntary service as the paralegal in many organizations so that they can be summoned in future days for service, this way they make their career prospective. While serving, they get experience, which is really precious. As per the report of American Bar Association (ABA), the paralegals by their quality and experience can stable themselves at the level of a legal practitioner.
The Skills Needed to Be a Paralegal
To become a good and efficient paralegal, you should have some skills.
- Writing Skill
- Research and Investigative Skill
- Technology Skill
- Organization
- Multi Tasking
- Teamwork
- Attention to Detail
Every paralegal should be flair and fluent in writing skills, he has to take notes so he will have to take the notes from the lawyer using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. A paralegal should have the quality of research and investigative look into every case, in detail. During service, he needs to be technologically sound, as per the requirements he will have to use internet, database, modern software package, spread sheet, chart, and e-mail, e-filling. Organization power is very much essential for him he will have to be organized in maintaining the official articles, files and super composed. A paralegal needs to do different types of works, so he is a multi tasking personal. He should perform within a team with giving support to the staffs of the organization. When ever he will be in his duty, he will pay enough attention to his duty so that any loopholes may not occur.