Friday, 3 November 2017

Could A Georgia Paralegal Career Be Right For You

By Catherine Hill


Young people just entering the workforce don't have a clear picture of what they want to do for a living. Most of them are looking for good paying jobs that will interest and challenge them. They are trying to choose positions in fields that are going to flourish in the coming years instead of decline. Good lawyers will always be in demand, and they will always need assistance. If law interests you, you might consider becoming a Georgia paralegal.

Paralegals are not attorneys. They are now allowed to represent individuals in the courtroom, offer legal advice, or handle cases. Paralegals are assistants to lawyers. They are the people who interview clients, conduct research, draft documents, and collect evidence. Good paralegals are vital to the success of law firms. They can be just as knowledgeable about a case as the attorney assigned to it.

If this kind of career is something that interests you, you probably want to know what sort of income you can expect. Salaries vary widely depending on where in the country you live, how much experience you have, and what level of education you have attained. Generally speaking, paralegals make around fifty thousand dollars a year. If you live in California, New Jersey, or Washington, D. C., you can expect to earn more.

If you are looking for a challenging, demanding job, this one fits the bill. Not everyone is suited for it though. You have to be able to calm clients experiencing difficult situations, and hold your tongue when they seem unreasonable. Good paralegals exude confidence and make clients feel as though they have come to the right place.

Although there are no state licensing boards for paralegals in the same way there are for lawyers, most law firms prefer someone with an associate's degree in paralegal or related studies. Some lawyers in more rural areas will consider applicants with a high school diploma and a desire to learn. The more experience and education you have though, the more likely you are to be hired and offered a good salary.

Some law firms look for certified paralegals when they are hiring however. Individuals who have certifications have passed rigorous testing in the areas of federal law, ethics, communication, writing skills, and legal terminology. They can often command higher salaries than those without the designation.

After you have worked awhile in a law office and gained some experience, you may consider furthering your education and going to law school. If you have a two year degree in paralegal studies, some credits you earned may apply to your law degree. Some firms assist with the expenses associated with law school.

For those interested in the law, but not necessarily interested in becoming a lawyer, there are a lot of exciting careers to choose from. Paralegals have challenging jobs. They may be looking up murder cases one day and researching dog catchers the next.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment