End Of Career Pathway

Paralegals or legal assistants are qualified by education, training or work experience, but are not required by any state to be licensed. Although, legal assistants may get become certified through such organization as NALA or some state bar associations. Paralegals are a valuable asset to an attorney, but it is important for a paralegal or legal assistant to adhere to the standards of legal ethics and proper conduct, one of which, they must never give legal advice. A paralegal or legal assistant may assist an attorney, but the attorney is ultimately responsible, therefore the paralegal should work under the supervision of said attorney. Currently, there are no absolute requirements for a person to be a paralegal, but with most

In the state of Florida, there are various pathways to paralegal profession. The first option is to attain a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, and one year’s experience in paralegal work. Those with associate degree in paralegal studies can still

The role a paralegal has in a law firm is a vital. These professionals are highly valued for the abilities they contribute in the area of knowing the law, legal research and how it applies to a client’s case. Furthermore, paralegals also as assist their Attorneys on a variety of tasks pertaining to a law related matters. Regardless, no matter how knowledgeable the paralegal may be; they are always required to work under the direct supervision of an attorney. There are very little exceptions for paralegals to work in the law field, unsupervised. Even in these exceptions, It is still possible for a professional paralegal, under the supervision of an attorney or not, to still commit UPL (California Legislative Information Business and Professions Code).

The Florida Paralegal Program was created in 2007, in order to regulate the paralegal profession in the state of the Florida. This program offers them a voluntary registration in this distingue organization, under the compromise to meet certain requirements such as education, certification, or work experience criteria, and also abide by a Code of Ethics and Responsibilities, all these based on the Chapter 20 of the Rules regulating the Florida Bar. Subsequently, these rules establish that a Florida Registered Paralegal is a paralegal who meets the requirements set out in Chapter 20 of the Rules regulating the Florida Bar. These rules designate that a paralegal is a person with education, training or work experience, who works under the direction of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is responsible. However, there are certain differences, as well as pros and cons, between paralegals that are not registered under this rule and those who are, specifically on the following main points: work experience, education, and requirements to qualify.

Education has become increasingly important in the paralegal profession (Paralegal Profession). There are several programs, which are offered by colleges, universities, businesses, and private schools, that operate in the United States and provide training for those seeking to become paralegals. Though, a high school diploma or the equivalent is often required to be admitted in one of these programs. For instances, a paralegal can become certified after the completion of 60 semester hours in an accredited college, university, or private institution. Generally, these programs include general education requirements. A bachelor’s degree in paralegal requires about 120 semester hours, with at least 50 to 60 of these hours spent on general education.

I have a associates of applied science degree in paralegal studies. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Business Management in December this year. I have spent the last year working as a clerk in a district court. I feel this time has allowed me to developing my understanding of the law on many different platforms including criminal and civil. I feel the diversity of the work I have been doing is a gateway for having an understanding of many facets of the law in Texas.

A paralegal is defined as a person trained in subsidiary legal matters but not completely qualified as a lawyer. A legal assistant is employed by a lawyer, law office, government agencies, or other entity to work under the direction of a licensed attorney. Becoming a legal assistant requires an associate’s degree or a certificate in legal assistant studies. A legal assistant can pass the test given by the National Association of Legal Assistants and be referred to as a Certified Legal Assistant. Once someone becomes a CLA they are required to take several hours of continuing educations to maintain their status. At Miller Motte some of the courses a person interested in becoming a legal assistant may include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, Writing for Criminal Justice, and Criminal Law and Procedure. In some circumstances an attorney may hire a college graduate that has obtained a bachelor’s degree with no legal experience and allow them to learn on the job. Attorneys that specialize in Family Law, Business Law, Tax Law, and Bankruptcy Law are a few examples of the different attorney offices a legal assistant may be found.

Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of legal settings and play an ever-increasing role in the delivery of affordable and efficient legal services. However, regulation of paralegals has been non-existent or inconsistent, though the topic continues to be a significant issue. Across the country, paralegals advocate bar associations, state legislatures and courts to consider regulatory programs that go beyond merely defining the term "Paralegal." Federally required licensing of paralegals would benefit future growth and development of the career field and address the controversial issues surrounding it.

Larger law firms are not willing to train. They require at least 2-5 years of experience. Smaller firms on the other side are good for beginning paralegals because they do a little bit of everything. Their job as a paralegal in a small law firm will probably require secretarial work. In contrast working for a larger firm, job duties are most likely to be limited to a specific area. For example, you could be limited to work with family law and only that.

Four States offer paralegal certifications and two offer document preparer certifications through their State Bar Associations. These states authorize a certification examination to educationally qualified paralegals or legal assistants, however, certification is not required in these states to work as a paralegal. After successful completion of the examination the Bar Associations authorize the paralegal to use the title of “Certified Paralegal.”

The demand for paralegal services has grown tremendously in the past few years. Many companies nowadays look to hire paralegals in preference to lawyers as a means of reducing costs. If you are looking to become a paralegal you can be assured that a bright career awaits you. But, the question that now arises is how to become a paralegal?

Over the years, I realized that I enjoyed helping people this began my exploration of many career fields during which I learned where my strengths and weakness are and where my passions have been leading me. Consequently, this exploration has led me to the paralegal field where my passions and strengths will be put to good use. However, while many tough choices and sacrifices were made in getting me to where I am today, they have been worth it. Furthermore, after being away from the academic world for over 22 years, looking on into the future at the results of these tough decisions and choices, the thoughts of graduating this time is exhilarating knowing my goals of helping people will be at

The APhA Career Pathway Evaluation Program for Pharmacy Student was held on March 09, 2016 at carver hall by Dr. G. Lawrence Hogue. The main goal of the program was to help students make informed decision and to help them see what pharmacy practice setting would be a best fit.

During our conversation on March 4, 2016, you informed me that you intended to apply for a three year CTE license in the area of 956 Career Pathway: Marketing. There is a CTE director’s signature requirement for this licensure application. As of the date of this memo, I have not been provided a copy of your completed application.

I have chosen a career as a paralegal. This is a field that I expect will be both challenging as well as professionally rewarding. As a paralegal, I will assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services (National Association of Legal Assistants, 2008). A career in paralegal studies is a prestigious, professional adventure and offers a wonderful opportunity while enhancing ones knowledge of the law and provides for challenges, growth and advancement.