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Steve Taravella first stepped through Bryant & Stratton College’s doors in 1986. The associate degree he earned then helped him land a job with a company that has offered him upward mobility for 30 years. He entered in the accounts payable department. Today Taravella, 52, is assisting the company’s lawyers with paralegal duties. “Over the course of many years my job has evolved as the business evolved,” Taravella said. “At one time we had only one paralegal ...

There are many different types of law. If you're drawn to the legal profession, it's important to understand all the options available to you. Not all court proceedings are dramatic criminal affairs like you might see on television. If you're interested in pursuing a career in law outside the criminal sphere, you may be interested in exploring civil litigation. Careers in civil litigation range from lawyers to paralegals to investigators so there is something for every educational level. Para...

In the legal industry, the proper choice of words can be the difference between a binding contract and an unofficial agreement, so it's understandable that most legal professionals want a clear-cut answer when it comes to their official title. Unfortunately, this is a very gray area. Certified legal assistants and paralegals are technically interchangeable, but many people in this field have strong feelings about which title is more appropriate for their job. The Official Definitions The Am...

Successful paralegals are people who have a passion for the legal field - criminal, divorce, family, estate, or contract law - but prefer not to give legal advice. They love to perform research, complete forms, and keep records. They enjoy working in the back office and providing support. If that sounds good to you, read on to learn all about how to get a job as a paralegal. Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers in their daily work: Search, locate, and use information from lega...

Even in such a highly competitive field, the opportunity for individuals with a paralegal degree to operate on a freelance basis is a popular choice for recent graduates. Learn about the ins and outs of pursuing a freelance opportunity in this exciting field. Paralegals are an important part of the legal system. They can do pretty much anything a lawyer can except give legal advice. The profession started in the 1960s as a way to help people at all economic levels gain access to the legal syste...

In order to pursue a career as a paralegal, there are many things you must consider. While there are no standard requirements for working as a legal assistant or paralegal, as it varies by company and location, there are certifications and degree programs that can help you become more employable. Paralegal associations provide valuable resources for paralegal training and licensing. The first step in becoming a paralegal, of course, is to earn an associates degree, which is now more convenie...

Paralegal studies are an ideal path to a successful law career. For some, becoming a legal secretary or paralegal is the destination point. For others, it is an opportune starting place to work their way through law school. Either way, in order to learn the skill sets necessary to work competently in one of the most competitive career fields, it is imperative that you get the right combination of practical, theoretical, and technical training so you are adequately prepared for your future job...

Paralegal duties encompass a wide range of activities and responsibilities, depending on the size and type of law firm where the paralegal is employed. Paralegals, also called Legal Assistants, work directly with lawyers, and other legal professionals, to ensure every detail of a case is handled accurately and efficiently, perform legal research, and prepare and file legal documents. For some individuals, becoming a paralegal is a final career goal. For others, paralegal responsibilities serve a...

There are a lot of factors to consider when pursuing a paralegal career.  In this role you will be the right-hand assistant to lawyers and other legal professionals. The job requires certain skills and personality traits, paired with the right training and credentials. Ann Atkinson, advanced certified paralegal and past president of the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA), offered the following advice to aspiring paralegal professionals. Hone Your Administrative Skills Depending ...

Thinking about entering the paralegal career field? Now may be a good time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014-15 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the field is projected to grow by 8 percent at pace with the average growth rate for all occupations. That translates into 21,200 jobs between 2014 and 2024. How Much do Paralegals Make? Generally, entry level positions in this field require an associate’s degree and the median annual salary is $48,810. For new paralegals, th...