In-Depth Notes on Today's Professional Paralegal

Introduction

  • Exciting and growing profession.

  • Average paralegal salary has increased as the profession has grown.

  • Importance of networking with paralegals in various environments.

  • Connections can be as critical as knowledge.

What Is a Paralegal?

  • Definition: A paralegal performs substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney.

  • Qualifications: Educated, trained, and experienced.

  • Employment: Can work in law offices, corporations, governmental agencies, or be freelance.

  • Roles:

    • Performing tasks traditionally assigned to attorneys.

    • Operating between attorneys and legal secretaries.

Major Organizations Supporting Paralegals

  • American Bar Association (ABA)

  • National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

  • National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

  • American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

What Do Paralegals Do?

  • Common Tasks:

    • Conduct client and witness interviews.

    • Organize and maintain client files.

    • Conduct legal research and draft documents.

    • File documents with courts and track deadlines.

    • Attend legal proceedings.

  • Duties Vary:

    • Based on office size, type of law practiced, and paralegal experience.

  • Technology:

    • Important role in using legal software and databases.

    • Computer skills enhance marketability.

Paralegal Education

  • Characteristics of a Model Employee:

    • Prepared, ethical, detail-oriented.

    • Know how to find answers and use various resources.

  • Educational Options:

    • Community colleges, bachelor’s degree programs, certificate programs, and master’s degrees.

  • Curriculum:

    • Blend of substantive law (rights and obligations) and procedural law (methods of enforcing rights).

The Role of AAfPE and ABA

  • AAfPE: Promotes high standards in paralegal education and develops curriculum.

  • ABA: Sets educational standards for paralegal programs, voluntary accreditation process.

  • Certification: Recognizes proficiency, involves examinations, but is not mandatory in all areas.

Certification Types

  • NALA and NFPA offer certifications:

    • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA).

    • Certified Paralegal (CP).

    • Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC).

    • Registered Paralegal (RP).

  • Other certifications from various professional bodies.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

  • Essential for maintaining certification.

  • Involves attending seminars and workshops periodically, often required by NALA and NFPA.

Paralegal Skills and Attributes

  • Increasing demands for:

    • Professionalism and efficiency.

    • Specific legal knowledge.

  • Key Skills:

    • Analytical: Legal analysis, factual investigation, data gathering.

    • Communication: Reading, speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills essential.

    • Computer Skills: Proficient use of software, data management, adapting to technology settings.

  • Confidentiality: Must keep information private; responsibility and reliability are critical.

  • Professionalism: Maintain integrity, manage biases, and respond calmly under pressure.

The Future of the Profession

  • Dynamic field with expanding roles.

  • Growth in positions projected at 28% from 2008 to 2018.

  • Increasing availability of career opportunities for skilled paralegals.

Summary

  • Paralegals perform many tasks traditionally handled by attorneys, predominantly in document management, client relations, and research.

  • Skills in technology significantly enhance a paralegal's effectiveness.

  • Educational requirements are becoming critical for progression in the profession, demanding high professionalism and efficiency.