Paralegal Careers

by Schneeman, Angela

• ISBN13: 9780766809505
• ISBN10: 0766809501
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-03-02
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

Written with the insight of a former paralegal, this easy-to-read book provides in-depth information on the paralegal profession. It includes types of employers, discussions of paralegal specialties where significant growth is expected, current salaries and benefits, and information on finding a paralegal position. Interviews with working paralegals, practical paralegal tips, and internet references and resources make this book an excellent reference.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	xi
The Paralegal Profession	1	(21)
Paralegal Profile	3	(1)
Cristi A. Malone
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Defined	4	(3)
The History and Evolution of the Paralegal Profession	7	(6)
The Future of the Paralegal Profession	13	(4)
Career Track	17	(1)
The Importance of Legal Ethics	16	(1)
Glossary	17	(5)
Working with Attorneys	20	(2)
Paralegal Employers	22	(39)
Introduction	23	(2)
Paralegal Profile	24	(1)
John Osborn
Law Firms	25	(11)
Corporate Employers	36	(4)
Government Employers	40	(9)
Self-Employed And Temporary Paralegals	49	(4)
Confidentiality	51	(2)
Summary	53	(1)
Career Track	53	(4)
Glossary	57	(4)
Legal Nurse Consultants	59	(2)
Paralegal Specialties	61	(36)
Introduction	62	(3)
Paralegal Profile	64	(1)
Amy Michel
The Top Ten Paralegal Specialties	65	(15)
Top Five Growth Specialties for the New Millennium	80	(5)
Other Important Specialties	85	(4)
Nontraditional Paralegal Career Paths	89	(3)
Conflicts of Interest	91	(1)
Summary	92	(1)
Career Track	92	(1)
Glossary	93	(4)
The Question of Overtime	95	(2)
Paralegal Salaries and Benefits	97	(33)
Introduction	98	(1)
Paralegal Profile	98	(1)
Jill Stieg
Sources of Information	99	(4)
How the Geographic Location of Your Work Affects Your Salary	103	(4)
How Your Experience Affects Your Salary	107	(3)
How Your Education, Training, and Credentials Affect Your Salary	110	(4)
How Your Employer Affects Your Salary	114	(4)
How Your Specialty Affects Your Salary	118	(3)
How Your Billable Hours Affect Your Salary	121	(1)
Bonuses	122	(1)
Paralegal Benefits	123	(2)
Fees and Financial Matters	124	(1)
Summary	125	(1)
Career Track	126	(4)
Pro Bono---Paralegals Who Work for Nothing	128	(2)
Paralegal Associations	130	(23)
Introduction	131	(1)
Paralegal Profile	131	(1)
Sharon K. Engel
National Paralegal Associations	132	(4)
State And Local Paralegal Associations	136	(2)
Paralegal Associations and Legal Ethics	138	(4)
Benefits of Association Membership	142	(2)
Other Associations of Interest to Paralegals	144	(4)
Maintaining Integrity and Public Respect for the Legal Profession	146	(2)
Career Track	148	(1)
Glossary	148	(5)
Guidelines for Utilizing Paralegals	150	(3)
Paralegal Regulation	153	(25)
Introduction	154	(1)
Paralegal Profile	154	(1)
Shelby Schreck-Beck
Types of Paralegal Regulation	155	(3)
Arguments for Regulation	158	(3)
Arguments Against Regulation	161	(1)
The ABA's Position	162	(1)
The NFPA's Position	163	(2)
The NALA'S Position	165	(2)
Developments Across the Nation	167	(6)
Paralegals and the Unauthorized Practice of Law	170	(3)
Summary	173	(1)
Career Track	173	(1)
Glossary	174	(4)
Stress Management	176	(2)
Skills and Personal Traits of Successful Paralegals	178	(27)
Introduction	179	(1)
Paralegal Profile	179	(1)
Kelly Walter McKee
Skills Important to All Paralegals	180	(17)
Character and Personality Traits of Effective Paralegals	197	(3)
Competence and Diligence	199	(1)
Career Track	200	(1)
Glossary	201	(4)
Need a Job...Get an Attitude!	203	(2)
Your Job Search	205	(34)
Beginning Your Search	206	(9)
Researching Potential Employers	215	(2)
Your Resume	217	(10)
The Interview	227	(6)
Summary	233	(1)
Career Track	234	(2)
Glossary	236	(3)
Appendix A: State Adopted Definitions of the Terms Paralegal and Legal Assistant	239	(11)
Appendix B: How to Choose a Paralegal Program	250	(5)
Appendix C: Directory of Paralegal Associations	255	(17)
Appendix D: NALA's Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants	272	(12)
Appendix E: National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement	284	(10)
Appendix F: Sample Resumes	294	(11)
Appendix G: Sample Cover Letters	305	(4)
Glossary	309	(6)
Index	315