Paralegal Certification - An Insider's Perspective
Hiring a paralegal is a great way to gain help in matters of law. It would seem that it would make sense to get a paralegal certificate before applying, but as you might have guessed, this is not always possible. If you're looking for legal assistance and haven't been able to take the risk on hiring an unlicensed individual, then perhaps obtaining your own paralegal certification will be worth considering. This article will cover why it makes sense for certain individuals with no legal background or training to obtain these certifications, how much money can be made with them, and how the process works in general.
Many people with no legal experience wish to become paralegals, but the process is not as simple as it sounds. Becoming a paralegal isn't just about having a few extra hours to work and the desire to move up the career ladder. The Federal Bureau of Prisons does not allow individuals who have been convicted of felonies on their records to become paralegals. Additionally, you cannot get certified if you are currently facing legal troubles, either criminal or civil. If you are awaiting a trial or going through a divorce that has yet to be settled, you cannot obtain certification while these matters remain unresolved.
Even if your record is clear, you cannot obtain paralegal certification and still attend law school while in your final semester. The good news is that a number of states have limits to the number of hours that you can work without being considered an employee. Without this degree of protection, it would be hard for anyone to get a job as a paralegal. In most instances, those who qualify for this certification must be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions on their records within the last five years. Many states also have higher minimum requirements for obtaining these certifications due to their passage of state laws requiring licensing by the state's board of paralegals or bar examiners.
If you meet these qualifications, then you will still need to pass the state's appropriate paralegal licensing exam if you want to be certified by the board of paralegals. There are a number of places in which to take this test, including online and at your local college or university. After all, if there's one positive thing that can be said about these exams, it is that they are regionally provided and do not require sending you out of state for additional training hours just to qualify for certification. However, most states require at least one year of supervised experience before allowing someone to take their state's bar exam. This can be a tall order for some, but fortunately many states have affiliated or affiliated paralegal programs that will allow you to obtain certification and your supervised experience at the same time.
Once you have your certification, you'll need to think about what you'll do with it. Obviously, one of the first things on your mind is going to be how much money can be made as a paralegal? The good news is that these jobs are plentiful and can pay anywhere from $30,000 to over $60,000 per year depending on where you work. Many jurisdictions require that paralegals get some type of professional licensure in order to practice, so this will add money onto your starting salary as well. However, these jobs can be hard to find, so you may have to spend some time looking and waiting before you can get that first paralegal job.
Ultimately, the process will be worth your trouble if you are able to find employment. Many people look for opportunities such as this because of long hours and the desire to move their careers up the ladder. If you meet all of the qualifications mentioned in this article and want to become a certified paralegal, then there should be no reason for you not to at least give it a shot. It's also important to note that you do not have to be a member of the American Bar Association in order to take these exams and pursue certification.
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Nominee for San Francisco Mayor Rejects Myths of Paralegal Certifications - December 15, 2016. [LAWYERSJOURNAL] - Words matter, especially when it comes to the legal profession. Obviously, the legal field is booming across the board, but there's also a lot of misinformation being spread that might be detrimental to people looking to get into the field. Currently, it's not uncommon for hopeful attorneys to hear things like: "Paralegals need to have a law degree" or "Paralegals can't be trusted," but both of these statements are outdated stereotypes that haven't been true in quite some time.
In San Francisco, we're witnessing one of the most popularly contested elections in history with candidate John O'Grady and his campaign manager Kelly Lee running against incumbent Mayor Ed Lee and his campaign manager Peter Fimrite. The race has led to some heated and closely-watched debates, but one topic that has continually been brought up by both sides of the political spectrum is the role of paralegals in the legal field. Now, O'Grady's campaign manager Kelly Lee criticized the role of paralegals in politics, claiming that "paralegals don't change laws, only amend laws." However, a quick survey of actual law firms and existing employment opportunities shows that this statement is completely inaccurate.
When it comes to actual paralegal jobs in San Francisco, there are actually plenty available at both small law firms and large ones alike. These aren't entry-level jobs that require years of experience, but paralegal jobs that are available to anyone who has completed a formal education program, like the one offered at The Paralegal Institute. This isn't just a good opportunity for anyone looking to start a new career, but also for people looking to further their education. For instance, many paralegals have found success working in the criminal justice system by starting off at the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a prison paralegal. After spending some time there and getting certified as a criminal justice paralegal, they were able to move up the ladder into federal law enforcement and work their way up to law enforcement positions or eventually become an attorney.
Furthermore, it's important to note that many lawyers don't have the time to do all of the work that they would like to do. This is where paralegals come in, who are able to take on a whole range of tasks and responsibilities in order to better serve their clients. Many legal service providers will use paralegals as litigators or even legal assistants so that lawyers can stay focused on specific tasks. In essence, paralegals are an invaluable asset in the field of law. The truth is that most skilled paralegals will have a much easier time finding work than people with only a law degree or graduate degree who have little experience.
Conclusion
Paralegals are the unsung heroes of the legal field, and they deserve a much better reputation. However, this is only going to happen if people stop spreading misinformation like this. If paralegals want to get more recognition in the world of politics and continue to serve their clients better and more efficiently, they'll have to dispel these myths once and for all.
Click here to read the rest of this article fromilawyersjournal.com...
Related News Stories:
Nomination for San Francisco Mayor Rejects Myths of Paralegal Certifications - December 15, 2016.