Paralegal – For Everything There Is A Season
Anyone with even a faint familiarity with the law understands that for a lawyer to practice law they must pass the bar exam. On the other hand, few realize that another key player in most law offices today; the paralegal, is not required to pass any type of post graduation test to enter the field. That’s right, after nearly a half century of existence the paralegal position is still an unlicensed profession. Certainly, the importance of becoming certified has increased and gained stature but the fact remains that becoming certified is still voluntary.
Intrinsic fundamental yardsticks to be aware of when assessing any paralegal program:
1. Top notch paralegal school curriculum consistently concentrates on teaching doable job skills along with essential supportive legal theory. The curriculum for paralegal degree programs should also incorporate all things from communication and organizational skills to torts, litigation and ethics. Of course, complete development of the student must a key objective that’s revolves around providing them with real-world experience and cultivating their critical thinking faculties.
2. Who’s behind the paralegal curriculum? In other words, what kind of credentials does the program director and the faculty possess. The director should have some type of paralegal education, a law degree or related advanced degree and if they also have legal field experience that’s a plus. In addition, faculty should either have direct paralegal field experience or at a minimum, experience working with paralegals. Of course, they must be an expert in the subject they are teaching.
3. A broadening number of paralegal schools and universities have made their entire paralegal degree training programs available online. However, it’s recommended that before any wanna-be student signs up they find answers to a few important points. First, how will the material be delivered? Will all lectures be live interactive video or DVD tele-courses, or text-based with access via the web or a combination thereof? Also, because of the nature of the learning it takes much more self motivation and discipline to compete the work. Do you have what it takes to learn online?
As the old saying goes, “if you want more than just a job and you have what it takes” then in today’s uncertain economy a career in law as a paralegal, is about as good as opportunities get. Undoubtedly, opportunity knocks for those that have the required drive and training. So if you’ve been sitting on the fence; the time is now, jump down and go get your paralegal degree.
