The American Bar Association defines a paralegal, or legal assistant, as "a person...who is employed...by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." Teens learn that a paralegal can specialize in distinct fields, including corporate law, criminal law, and environmental law. They investigate this faced-paced career, and understand the facets of the legal services industry. Besides outlining education requirements and training programs, this accessible volume covers professional responsibilities, ethic codes, kinds of employers, job searches, resume building, and work environments.
A PARALEGAL IS A LAWYER'S RIGHT hand. Although paralegals cannot represent clients in court, paralegals do much of the same important legal work that lawyers do. Much of this work involves reading and writing - researching case histories, drafting subpoenas, analyzing court testimonies, or writing wills. There are also opportunities to interact with a wide range of people. Paralegals are often the first point of contact for clients. They also interview witnesses, attend court cases, communicate with police officers and judges, and negotiate with other law offices. Some people may consider the detail-oriented work mundane, but most paralegals find the world of the law exciting. It is loaded with opportunity with a wide variety of legal areas to choose from. Lawyers specialize in fields such as criminal, environmental, family, medical, corporate, and international law. Paralegals are needed in all of these same areas. Whatever your interests are, there is surely a career path to match. Getting started in this career is relatively easy. Although paralegals are involved in much of the legal process, they do not hold a law degree. Some paralegals have no more than a high school diploma. The majority, however, have an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or a certificate in paralegal studies. There are many programs available across the country that offer paralegal training that can help you fulfill the education requirements where you want to pursue your career. The pay for paralegals is good, especially when one takes into account the modest education required. The average yearly income is around $50,000, although salaries can jump to as high as $75,000 with experience or when working for a large firm in a metropolitan area. This is a great time to pursue a career as a paralegal. The job outlook is exceptional with employment growing by as much as 30 percent. If you want to build a career in the legal field, but do not want to invest the time and money to become a lawyer, consider paralegal work. The pay is good, the jobs are plentiful, and you can get started in a short period of time.
Apply important legal concepts and skills you need to succeed Get educated, land a job, and start making money now! Want a new career as a paralegal but don't know where to start? Relax! Paralegal Career For Dummies is the practical, hands-on guide to all the basics -- from getting certified to landing a job and getting ahead. Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to succeed, including a CD packed with sample memos, forms, letters, and more! Discover how to * Secure your ideal paralegal position * Pick the right area of the law for you * Prepare documents for litigation * Conduct legal research * Manage a typical law office Sample resumes, letters, forms, legal documents, and links to online legal resources. Please see the CD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements.
Opportunities In . . . series gives you valuable career insight into your job field of choice! The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities In . . . explores a vast range of professions. In "Opportunities in Paralegal Careers," you will find: The latest information on the field Training and education requirements you will need Salary statistics for different positions Up-to-date professional and Internet resources And much more
#17: WATCH YOUR WHISKERS, STILTON! A mysterious one-eyed rat is trying to steal The Rodent's Gazette from under my nose! My manager came up with a plan to stop him. He arranged for me to appear on a TV quiz show. But if I lose I have to give up my tail! #18: SHIPWRECK ON THE PIRATE ISLANDS My sister, Thea, comes up with a new way to torment me. She's combined my two least favorite things: travel and ghosts! She heard rumors of a haunted pirate treasure buried on an island and she dragged me into her treasure hunt!
This book examines careers as a paralegal and legal assistant, covering professional responsibilities, ethic codes, kinds of employers, job searches, resume building, and work environments.
This series offers entry-level job seekers the perfect first step to careers in these growing fields. Each book features the hottest jobs in each career area, easy-to-read requirements for each job, leading providers of training programs for the specific career area, financing for training, tips for success, and much more. Ideal for young job hunters who want to know where the opportunities are.
