Law degree

Online Paralegal Schools offer studies and degrees in the many responsibilities of legal assistants, or Paralegals. Paralegals perform many of the time-consuming tasks that lawyers would otherwise perform in legal offices. Paralegals, however, may not practice law, setting legal fees, or give legal advice.

Online Paralegal studies prepare students for assisting lawyers to prepare for hearings, trials, meetings, and closings, investigate case facts and relevant information, identify relevant laws and prior judicial decisions, locate legal articles, and prepare and organize materials for lawyers. A well-trained Paralegal will be prepared to write reports that will determine how to handle a case, prepare arguments, draft pleadings and motions, and assist attorneys in the courtroom proceedings.

The duties of Paralegals can vary widely, depending on the type of organization in which they work. Paralegals in small law firms usually are responsible for a variety of duties that require a general knowledge of the law. Large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, however, are more likely to expect Paralegals to specialize in one aspect of law.

Computer use and technical knowledge has become essential to Paralegal work, requiring studies in software and Internet.

Advancing your career or make a career change are possible through Online Paralegal studies. You can find the Online Paralegal School to meet those needs by searching options right here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Paralegal Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

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Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, do client interviews, assist in hearings and closings, perform legal research, prepare legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions, obtain affidavits and assist during trials.

California Definition:
Paralegal is a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an active members of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060, or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state, that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development and management; legal research; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting and analyzing legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative agency if that representation is permitted by statute, court rule, or administrative rule or regulation.

Find descriptions from other states at www.paralegals.org

Education Requirements:
2 year associates degree in paralegal studies or
4 year bachelor’s degree plus paralegal certification

Skills Needed:
Good research abilities, investigative and organizational skills, understanding of legal terminology, knowledge of legal software applications

Certification:
National Federation of Paralegal Associations: www.paralegals.org/

Job Opportunities:
70% of paralegals work for private law firms, a small percentage free lance and the rest work for the government

Income:
Starting salaries are $25,000 to $79,000 per year based on education, training, and experience. The average in 2004 was $39,000.
Other salary factors include location and size of the office. The US federal government starts at $59,370 per year.

Resources:
US Department of Labor: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
Paralegal Education: www.aafpe.org/
Paralegal Organization: www.paralegals.org/
ABA Directory of Accredited Schools: www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/

Find out how you can enter this exciting field at www.internetuniversitydegrees.com/online-paralegal-degree.shtml

Pat Schraier is a web site designer and owner of Way Out West Products. Paralegal Resources at Internet University Degrees

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Online Law Schools offer students, with different goals and different requirements, to acquire the legal education they seek. Online Law School programs designed to fit the needs of individual students are plentiful in subjects of Online Law School studies.

Students who wish to practice law and develop the greatest range of career opportunities should explore Juris Doctor Programs. The general Juris Doctor program through Online Law School studies develops abilities, skills, and perspectives in legal fundamentals, professional and practical skills, and skills in critical thinking. Courses in Online Law School Juris Doctor programs develop the skills necessary for researching case studies, analyzing legal problems across a broad range of legal disciplines, understanding statutory and regulatory law, developing appropriate legal strategies for resolving legal problems. Online Law School students will also develop an understanding of the responsibility of comporting themselves with civility towards the court and bar at all times, and to uphold their moral and ethical duties as lawyers.

Specialized programs offered through Online Law School studies will develop analytical thinking, intellectual acuity, self-discipline, and interaction skills. These Law School programs allow for specialization in tax law, maritime law, immigration and naturalization law, patent law, international law, or any legal discipline the student desires. Specialized studies will allow for employment in corporate counsel, risk management, legislative analysis, technology licensing, contract administration, and many other disciplines.

Online Law Schools also offer courses for students who want an education in law without practicing law. The Executive JD program of study is for those who want to know how laws affect their professions, but do not wish to practice law. Online Law School Executive JD programs are intended for working professionals in the health field, in communications, education, accounting, etc. Students enrolled in the Executive JD Online Law School program receive many of the same courses offered in the Juris Doctor program, but these programs of study are more flexible and specifically focused.

Online Law Schools purport utilization of the latest Internet technology for the exchange of information and to aid in the learning process. Generally, simulated Law School classroom instruction is delivered through combinations of video and discussion convey over the Internet. Feedback is exchanged between student and professor via the Internet, as well. Students work through assignments and testing with the convenience of submitting them online.

You can find the Online Law School that suits your purposes by searching the many options here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Law Schools Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

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