A Look at Paralegal Training

A paralegal assists lawyers, corporations, or government agencies that has to work with regulations. Quite often, paralegals help lawyers to help keep afloat of the mounds of paperwork needed in law. They organize, index, photocopy, and run errands. They could also interview witnesses, draft legal documents, or conduct hearings. The tasks of the paralegal depends a big part on which type a paralegal he could be, and the quantity of training he's got received.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations recommends that entry-level paralegals have a four-year bachelor's degree. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the paralegal field keeps growing faster than most. Extra training might help guarantee employment in this rapidly growing field.

NFPA recommends a formal paralegal training curriculum following a potential paralegal earns a bachelor's degree. The business offers a directory of accredited programs, for a little fee, through its Site, and recommends at the very least 24 semester hours focused on legal studies. Online programs also offer additional paralegal training, including emphasizing critical thinking skills, improving communication skills, understanding law procedures and rules, honing legal writing abilities, and practicing interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, witnesses, other professionals, or the general public. The NFPA urges paralegals to critically evaluate all correspondence or online courses, making certain the program has an adequate, professionally recognized education. Check, for instance, that this program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Most universites and colleges offer paralegal certification program.