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What is the difference between market rates for paralegals and the cost to the attorney for paralegal services?
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
It would be the markup by the law firm.
S.Siddiq
Brenden McClure
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How to Find Paralegal Organizations in Canada?
Paralegals are able to connect with other paralegals and legal assistants in Canada through various organizations and associations. These organizations allow an opportunity for continuing education as well as networking and socialization. Paralegals are also able to keep up with current trends through these networks which lead to a benefit in job productivity. Some of the most well-known organizations for paralegals in Canada include the following:Law Society of Upper Canada: This society regulates those in the legal profession which include attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants. The Law Society of Upper Canada also offers public services such as Lawyer Referral Service while supporting services such as Pro Bono Law Ontario and the Law Commission of Ontario. Law Society of Upper Canada also provides a Resource Centre and Great Library.Canadian Association of Paralegals: This association consists of over 600 members across Canada and provides services and resources for employment opportunities, scholarships and events and conventions for paralegals in Canada.BC Paralegal Association: This group is a volunteer run non-profit organization for those in the paralegal professionin BC and Canada which promotes continuing education, professional development services for paralegals. The BC Paralegal Association also provides information regarding the current trends and bursaries to students of paralegal programs which include Vancouver Community College and publishes the Paralegal Press newsletter.Paralegal Society of Canada: This society for paralegals was formulated in 1992 and is said to be the oldest paralegal society in existence to date. As with the other associations, Paralegal Society of Canada provides information services, career information, news and activities. There is a screening process for members. Members receive various benefits from the society, one of which is professional liability insurance.Paralegals and students entering the paralegal field will become better acquainted with these organizations and the associations that the workplace is affiliated with. Paralegals and legal assistants will find that these groups provide continuous education, professional updates, legal advice, and friendships that keep them at the top of their careers.
Paralegal Support for Lawyers?
The paralegal profession has grown over the years, so that now, paralegals play an integral and vital place in a law firm or corporate setting, and are necessary support for attorneys as they practice. A paralegal provides multiple types of services that benefit the client, the lawyer and the firm or corporation. Paralegals first began providing support to lawyers in the 1960's, when attorneys were charging by the minute for everything they did for the client. Legal services were becoming too expensive for the average person, and attorneys were swamped with case work. The solution was to hire a paralegal, which, in some firms, are referred to as legal assistants. The paralegal took over the minutiae of the attorneys work that he had previously billed the client for, such as drafting a document. Paralegals bill much less per hour, and therefore, the cost to the client is much less. Now that attorneys are free to focus on the legal aspects of a case, the case is handled more efficiently and quickly. Paralegal support for lawyers comes in various forms. Depending on the type of law that is practiced, a paralegal can perform new client intakes, manage case calendars, prepare documents and letters for signature, establish databases and perform research and investigation. Paralegals may also be asked to attend hearings and assist at trial. Trial preparation is one of the more important types of services paralegals provide. Getting a case ready to go before a judge can be an intense and busy time for lawyers. The paralegal can mark exhibits, prepare witnesses; prepare any digital presentation materials for the courtroom, as well as assisting the client and attorney after a trial with any settlement document preparation. Most often, it is the paralegal that clients will speak to when they call their lawyer. Paralegals have an opportunity to know about the client and case specifics and can develop a trusting relationship with the client for the firm or corporate setting. Paralegals are often the friendly voice on the phone the client remembers during a difficult time. Good paralegals support their lawyers keep the clients happy.
Benefits of Paralegal Services?
A paralegal performs the day-to-day tasks of a lawyer, including drafting and filing documents, researching past cases and rulings, conducting preliminary interviews of clients, and performing other non-legally binding tasks. Paralegals are part of the legal team, working with either individual lawyers or in large legal practices. Paralegals also work in the district attorney's office, with major corporations and governmental agencies, and even in hospitals, insurance companies, and banks. Training to Become a Paralegal Courses to become a paralegal are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online. A person can earn an associates or a bachelor's degree to become a paralegal. While there is no test or certification required to be a paralegal, there are two voluntary organizations that regulate the standards of paralegals: the National Association of Legal Assistants, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Paralegals earn anywhere between $28,000 and $60,000 per year depending on experience, size of legal practice, and area of the country. A senior level paralegal can earn over $60,000 per year assisting lawyers with their daily legal activities. Paralegal Services For the lawyers who do not have time researching case file information and precedent in legal libraries, paralegal services are ideal. All the legal research, legal writing, preparation of court documents and exhibits, and investigating facts surrounding a particular case are critical and can be performed by a paralegal service. There are online paralegal services for the legal firms that do not have the need for full-time paralegals, but need assistance from time to time. They are also great for firms who have large assignments for clients and have to meet deadlines. Paralegals can perform the required research and document preparation to get the lawyers ready for trial. There are some states that required paralegal services to change their names to Court Document Preparers or Court Forms Providers. These companies can help individuals with issues such as divorces, paternity, custody, modification of child support, wills, name changes, quit claims deeds, etc. Individuals can access these services without having to pay the high fees of actual attorneys. These companies are limited in scope and cannot give legal advice. They can only assist in the preparation of documents, but in simple cases it can result in huge savings.
Paralegal Overview?
Assisting lawyers with a variety of complex issues is today’s paralegal. This professional is delegated an array of tasks that used to performed by the attorney. They usually work along side an attorney performing administrative duties that include drafting wills and agreements, filing court proceedings, researching, and often meeting with clients at the attorney’s direction. Occasionally, paralegals may begin as legal secretaries. Over years of hard work and experience, some attorneys may promote these legal secretaries to positions as paralegals. More often, attorneys require some training after high school and paralegals are trained and educated through an accredited program of study. Some certificated courses can be completed in as little as nine to twelve months. However, many employers require their paralegals to obtain at least an Associate’s degree and some employers require that paralegals have a Bachelor’s degree. Most accredited paralegal programs will include an internship. As a part of the curriculum, the paralegal student will complete coursework in legal terminology, criminal justice, finance, ethics, and will receive technical training using computers loaded with legal software. Paralegals may work for the government or for private law firms. In civil service jobs, paralegals are often called upon to conduct research and prepare reports. In some community agencies, clients may actually meet with a paralegal for an initial screening. In some instances, clients may be represented by paralegals at agency hearings. Working in the private sector, paralegals may choose to specialize in a particular area of the law. In smaller law firms, paralegals may be called upon to perform a wider variety of duties. Prepaid legal services have increased the demand for paralegals. The career outlook for paralegals is good, with continued growth expected to continue for several years. Since many time constraints are applied in legal cases, the paralegal can expect to work overtime. Compensation for the extended work involved may be paid in the form of overtime pay, bonuses, and vacations. Salaries for private sector paralegals vary from state to state, with the average being approximately $38,000-$40,000 annually. State and municipally employed paralegals are competitive with the private sector. Federally employed paralegals can expect to earn around $60,000 per year.
Does billing for paralegal services at market rates unfairly benefit the law firm?
No, billing for paralegal services at market rate doesn't unfairly benefit the firm, even if their costs are lower. The difference is profit for the firm.
Are there reputable Paralegal services that prepare bankruptcy paperwork online?
Possibly. Check with your local Bar Association. Some states do not allow paralegals to prepare bankruptcy paperwork since it involves giving legal advice (NY, for example).
Top 5 Jobs You Can Get With A Paralegal Degree?
Pursuing a paralegal degree can lead you into many exciting positions in the legal field. More than just a legal secretary, a paralegal has the ability to perform many duties that a lawyer does, with the exception of representing someone in a criminal case. Listed are five exciting fields you can select from when you earn your paralegal degree, that are beyond the scope of just working in a law office. 1.Legal Clerk for the Court System. Paralegals have the proper education needed to work directly with the court system. Many paralegals find themselves employed directly by judges or other court personnel to perform legal tasks. Many services that are offered at a courthouse are performed by paralegals. It is rare for a person to become employed in the court system without legal training. 2.Department of Homeland Security or other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Paralegals are in high demand at many of the federal law agencies. Their training in law enables them to provide a valuable service to agents and other personnel in the agencies. A quick search of employment opportunities on government websites will show a significant demand for degreed paralegals. 3.Insurance Agencies. Insurance companies process a lot of legal documents. Everything from simple claims to investigations of fraud. These companies want to obey the law, yet at the same time, prevent fraudulent cases from slipping through. Insurance companies hire many paralegals to process these types of cases. 4.Corporate Law Departments. Large corporations often have their own legal departments. These corporations hire many paralegals to perform these tasks. The larger the company is, the stronger the need for a legal team. 5.Document Preparation Services. Paralegals have the knowledge and ability to process many legal forms. Document preparation services will hire paralegals to perform these duties. There are several legal proceedings that can be done this way, including bankruptcy and divorce. It is not uncommon for a degreed paralegal to sart one of these businesses on their own.
How many years of schooling are required to become a paralegal?
Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelor's and master's degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.Associate and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certification from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. The NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum based program offered on the Internet.The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least five years of paralegal experience and meet one of the three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every two years, including the completion 18 hours of continuing education.In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Association offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association for Legal Professionals offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The National Association of Legal Assistants, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.Advancement. Paralegals usually are given more responsibilities and require less supervision as they gain work experience. Experienced paralegals who work in large law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies may supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff. Advancement opportunities also include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department. However, some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below.
Can a convicted felon become a paralegal in California?
Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelor's and master's degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.Associate and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certification from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. The NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum based program offered on the Internet.The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least five years of paralegal experience and meet one of the three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every two years, including the completion 18 hours of continuing education.In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Association offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association for Legal Professionals offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The National Association of Legal Assistants, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.Advancement. Paralegals usually are given more responsibilities and require less supervision as they gain work experience. Experienced paralegals who work in large law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies may supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff. Advancement opportunities also include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department. However, some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below.
How to Find Scholarships to Become a Paralegal in Canada?
Scholarships, bursaries and financial aid provide a great deal of assistance in funding and supplementing the cost involved in becoming a paralegal or legal assistant. This list will assist college students in finding a scholarship specifically for paralegals and legal assistants.Canadian-universities.netallows users to search by college major, university or school for relevant scholarships and bursaries that they can apply for. You can also search by province as well to find any available scholarships in your area.Canlearn.ca provides information on government loans and grants that students can apply for such as the Canada Student Grant for Students from Low-Income Families.Law Society of Upper Canadaregulates those in the legal profession including attorneys and paralegals. The Law Society also offers public services like the Lawyer Referral Service and supports services such as Pro Bono Law Ontario and the Law Commission of Ontario. Prospective paralegals will find a great deal of information on scholarships and bursaries as well.National Federation for Paralegal Associations is an organization that offers awards and scholarships that paralegals and legal assistants can apply for.Canadian Association of Paralegals is made up of over 600 members across Canada and provides services and resources for employment opportunities, scholarships and events and conventions for paralegals in Canada.BC Paralegal Association, which is a volunteer run non-profit organization for those in the paralegal professionin BC and Canada, provides bursaries to students of paralegal programs which include Vancouver Community.When searching for opportunities for scholarships and bursaries, you may also want to check with the specific college or school you are interested in attending as well. Nearly all educational institutions provide scholarships, bursaries and information for receiving grants and financial aid for students. You may have a better chance if you look for scholarships with organizations that are specifically available for the career you are pursuing. Also check general legal associations for assistance.
How many classes for paralegal?
The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for paralegals.Most entrants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.Associate's and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some taking only a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.More than 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although not required by many employers, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some schools require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Training programs usually include courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship, in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is a valuable asset in seeking a job after graduation.Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Some entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal-injury law practices.Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning voluntary certification from a professional national or local paralegal organization may offer advantages in the labor market. Many national and local paralegal organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by requiring students to pass an exam. Other organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by meeting certain criteria such as experience and education.The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification that require various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. NALA certification is for a period of five years and 50 hours of continuing education is required for recertification. According to the NALA, as of September 4, 2009, there were 15,652 Certified Paralegals in the United States. NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum-based program offered on the Internet.The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least 5 years of paralegal experience and meet one of three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, including the completion of 18 hours of continuing education.In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or a specialized area of law.Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The NALA, the NFPA, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click under the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.
Paralegal Schools?
If you have ever considered a profession in the legal field, then a career as a paralegal might be a good choice. There are many paralegal schools available where you can earn a paralegal certificate, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. A career as a paralegal might be a good option for those wishing to work in the legal field that do not have the time, money or the desire to tackle the intensive study required to obtain a law degree and then going on to law school to become an attorney. What is a paralegal? A paralegal is an assistant to a lawyer and endeavors to assist him/her in providing services to their clients. A paralegal, however, cannot actually provide legal services themselves. Paralegals increase the efficiency of the work carried out in a law office. The American Bar Association’s definition: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. The legal responsibility of a paralegal, under this definition, rests solely upon the lawyer/employer. Many students applying to paralegal schools already have degrees in other disciplines such as nursing, teaching, et al. Students should possess an overt interest in the law, be able to communicate well, be decisive and able to finish tasks on a timely basis. Typical duties include: • Researches laws and statutes • Researches material pertinent to a case • Interviews clients or witnesses • Assists in the final preparation of a case While having a degree is not always necessary, to possess a certificate or degree from a paralegal school that is approved by the American Bar Association, whether obtained in the classroom or online, enhances a person’s chances of landing a good job, especially in a large law firm. If you are looking for job security, the paralegal profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2016. The hiring of paralegals by law firms lowers the cost and efficiency of legal services.
