How do I become a Paralegal?
Several of Idahos colleges and universities offer paralegal education. To date, the only paralegal program that has received ABA approval is the program at Boise State University. If you are planning to invest time and money into a paralegal program, the AAfPE, the Association for Paralegal Education, suggests a program that is long-term and includes 60 hours of classroom instruction with an internship component. They do not recommend internet paralegal programs or programs that are as short as six to eight weeks. For more information about programs at Idahos public universities, go to their web sites: Boise State University: http://paralegal.boisestate.edu/ Idaho State University: http://www.isu.edu/academic-info/current/sat/sofftech.html Lewis-Clark State College: http://www.lcsc.edu/academics/tech.htm North Idaho College: http://www.nic.edu/programs/AppTech/PARA.
A paralegal is someone who assists a lawyer with delivering legal services. Paralegals cannot offer legal advice, but they are an essential part of a lawyer’s practice. Paralegals are also known as legal secretaries, and are responsible for a lot of the day-to-day duties that allow a law firm to function smoothly. Paralegals can do almost anything around a law firm except set fees, give legal advice, accept a case, or represent a client in court. This leaves a lot that a paralegal can do, and there are many skills a person must have to become a paralegal. A paralegal must have a very firm grasp of laws and how the legal system works. He or she must be able to perform research and write reports, draft legal documents, write summaries, and type up correspondence. Paralegals must also know how to find and properly interview witnesses. To learn all of these skills, a paralegal first must receive a degree or certificate from an accredited college. Schools that have been recognized by the Am
Some paralegals receive on-the-job training at a law firm, business or government agency. However, today most paralegals do have formal training through a two-year, bachelor, or post-baccalaureate paralegal program. Many of these programs are approved by the American Bar Association; however, this is not a requirement for a paralegal program. The courses in these programs expose students to the nature of the legal system, issues in legal ethics, legal research and writing, and essential legal concepts. Paralegal students often specialize in a specific legal area, such as litigation, business, real estate, probate, family law, health law, environmental law, bankruptcy or immigration. These paralegal programs usually require the equivalent of one or more years of full-time study. Some programs are offered on-line. Other programs include a brief internship to familiarize the student with working in a legal environment. HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A PARALEGAL? The best p
REAP is an association of working paralegals, paralegal students, and educators that was established to provide a forum of continuing education, enrichment, and networking for its members. REAP is not an educational institution. We recommend, however, that if you are interested in pursuing a career in the legal field that you investigate the paralegal programs offered at trade schools, community colleges, state colleges, or universities in your area.
