Top litigation paralegal skills needed to get the job.

Electronic data and emails, even text messages at employers are protected by the First Amendment, and if they ARE removed by anyone here, including the Op, the website owner can be sued. Plenty of site operators have already fed the litigation lions on that... I didn't get where I am today by scaring easily...

Well... time to start discussing other things in Paralegal Land...

Here's a foothold -- In California Paralegals - in order to stay Certified (i.e. able to work and call themselves Paralegals) MUST, like Attorneys, take specific legal courses given by the Bar or it's outside vendors, although not as many units (so far) as Attorney's do. I personally take more, because of a personal like for the study of Law, but the Bar requires 8 units every two years, 4 of which must be in Legal Ethics and 4 in " a recognized field or specialty of California law". This can occasionally get to be expensive, and unless you're lucky and manage to get into a MCLE Seminar ahead of late paper filing Attorneys', you get "bumped" from the classes due to lack of space. So it's a scramble out here sometimes to get enough of the units in the right fields.

Add to that, that most of these Seminars are during work hours, are often held in places that aren't remotely near your workplace - and Attorney's who don't see the value of Paralegal's taking the classes ("Why aren't you an attorney then?" is a comment often heard), and it can add up to a scramble to try and fit in, while some attorney's do their best to prevent you (since you don't want to become an attorney).

No one said it would be easy out here, and I work within the system (though it's hard on new paralegals coming into it) but it might be interesting to hear how other states do in requiring Paralegals' to fulfill certain requirements of education and training to use the title "Paralegal" legally.

M Thompson in LOS ANGELES not in Temecula, California said: Well... time to start discussing other things in Paralegal Land...

Here's a foothold -- In California Paralegals - in order to stay Certified (i.e. able to work and call themselves Paralegals) MUST, like Attorneys, take specific legal courses given by the Bar

Add to that, that most of these Seminars are during work hours, are often held in places that aren't remotely near your workplace -

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Some of the paralegal associations hold seminars that provide MCLE credits. You're right about the timing for many of the providers. Chere Estrin of Estrin Legal Ed puts on great seminars but, like Lorman, they are usually held during the week.

In Northern California, the Santa Clara County Paralegal Association puts on seminars in the evenings and on weekends. Also, the state university system has MCLE programs. The price is 1/2 the cost for non-attorneys. Again, you're right it's getting enrolled in time before late filing attorneys.

The national paralegal associations have online MCLE workshops, as does NALS. Check out their websites:

www.nala.org
www.paralegals.org
www.nals.org

As a paralegal, you can join the ABA as an associate. They have free MCLE for members.

www.abanet.org

I don't know why my computer posted NALA's website 3 times. Glitches, glitches, glitches.

NFPA's website is:

www.paralegals.org

ABA's website is:

www.abanet.org

and NALS' website is:

www.nals.org

All of these groups provide MCLE credit at reasonable prices and online courses are very convenient (usually given in the evenings).

Also check out

www.caparalegal.org

Truly this computer is having some problems:

ABA

www.abanet.org

NFPA

www.paralegals.org

NALS

www.nals.org

Thank you Deborah... and I have found too that sometimes trying to post a website here is nearly impossible, it either deletes it or changes it. I don't think it's your computer, just perhaps someone who built and possibly maintains this sites' abilities to receive and keep other website hyperlinks.

I used to belong to the Inland Empire Paralegal Association when I lived in Riverside County, and currently would like to get in touch with the LA Paralegal Association, but every time I run up the alleged website, I get an advertisement from some private Legal Agency instead, and despite it's claims, it never seems to have any jobs.

So... Any idea what the actual Los Angeles Paralegal Association's website is?
Or, barring that, the Los Angeles County Legal Assistant's website?

Thanks...

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: As with nonlawyers, generally, paralegals in Colorado cannot practice law. Otherwise, the state does not regulate paralegals They need not earn paralegal certificates or be certified as CLAs, RPs, etc., nor must they fulfill minimum education requirements. They need not take CLE. They can use the title, Paralegal, legally inside or outside a firm, etc.

DLP and LA Paralegal

Miami, Delaware and PA - not regulated - no CLE classes.

Murt Thompson in Los Angeles NOT in Temecula, California said:
So... Any idea what the actual Los Angeles Paralegal Association's website is?
Or, barring that, the Los Angeles County Legal Assistant's website?

Thanks...

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www.lapa.org/Aboutus.htm

Also check out

www.caparalegal.org

I know that Orange County has an active paralegal association.

The San Fernando Valley section of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association is having an MCLE event on August 14, 2008. Here's the info:

www.lapa.org/resources/Events/2008/SanFernandoValleyEthicsSeminar08-14-08.pdf

Thank you Deborah... I was looking for the more local chapter, this is just the link I needed. What do you think of the Estrin Super Paralegal Conferences? Are they any good?

I've been to a few of Chere's Paralegal Super Conferences. I actually was a speaker at one of the conferences and am on her panel.

The conferences are usually excellent. A bit pricey, but worth it. They are generally given during the workweek, like the Lorman Seminars. She has very interesting and timely topics. The presenters are quite knowledgeable in their field of expertise.

She is also putting on a free webinar in the next couple of weeks. Here's the website:

www.estrinlegaled.com

M Thompson in LOS ANGELES not in Temecula, California said: Thank you Deborah... I was looking for the more local chapter, this is just the link I needed. What do you think of the Estrin Super Paralegal Conferences? Are they any good?

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She's got a conference coming up in LA in August: "The Litigation Bootcamp." I'll be attending the San Francisco workshop on July 31 and August 1.

I attended one of her 2 day conferences in January. It was well worth the funds expended.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: As with nonlawyers, generally, paralegals in Colorado cannot practice law. Otherwise, the state does not regulate paralegals They need not earn paralegal certificates or be certified as CLAs, RPs, etc., nor must they fulfill minimum education requirements. They need not take CLE. They can use the title, Paralegal, legally inside or outside a firm, etc.

OT -DLP- You might consider taking a look at the last several post on forum "how
to survive financially after unemloyment" close enough.
Perhaps you can "neuralize" the commentary.

M Thompson in LOS ANGELES not in Temecula, California said: Well... time to start discussing other things in Paralegal Land...

Here's a foothold -- In California Paralegals - in order to stay Certified (i.e. able to work and call themselves Paralegals) MUST, like Attorneys, take specific legal courses given by the Bar or it's outside vendors, although not as many units (so far) as Attorney's do. I personally take more,

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So do I. There seem to be lots of opportunities for persons with backgrounds in finance, computers, almost any of the scientific fields, and medicine. A lot of large firms are looking for persons with these backgrounds.

I'm currently working at a Medical Malpractice firm as the OM and paralegal supervisor. I'm noticing that it really makes a difference to be working with people who have medical backgrounds. It just makes life easier and things flow along a lot more smoothly.

I've been seeing a lot of ads for nurse paralegals lately. There is a diffrence between a Legal Nurse Consultant and a nurse paralegal. Two of the paralegals where I work are former nurses, and one is a nursing student. I was a lab tech for a few years before entering the legal field. It just amazes me how much we actually get done each day.

I have several questions for whomever will reply...What if one is changing careers and is over 50 years of age. At this age, one should be organized, hardskinned to abusive employers and have experienced life almost to the fullest thru life journeys. Is there a chance that a career/changing individual can handle paralegal duties, if trained well and can hopefully deal with the attorneys and give the best talent in reference to research technology experience and executive secretary experience? I need your opinion to those inquisitions.

... Maxine, I agree that 50+ aged people have every chance to get into law firms as a Paralegal- but if I may suggest - if your paralegal class is being taught only by other paralegals - that you might consider also asking a local attorney in your area (perhaps by looking some up in Martindale.com (Martindale-Hubbel) if you can intern for free for a few hours a week - perhaps helping with legal data entry, filing, etc, to get a foot in the door. It's always nice to have an attorney on your side (and resume) even for brief experience, when you apply for that all important first assignment.

By they way, legal temping is a good way to get experience, even if you're new. I also worked for the Kelly Services people, but they didn't pay as much as other legal agencies. In Los Angeles the best Legal Agencies are Gibson-Arnold and Matura-Farrington. Gibson-Arnold has offices in other states, Matura is strictly California Los Angeles based. Rates start at $15, and mid range is $20.

Good luck!

It seems to me that there is a reason you were "Displaced" -Displaced Professional - I've read all of your comments and you are you are extremely critical of any person who disagree's with your opinion. This alone would get you canned in any Law Firm.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said:

Personal attacks are an inept debate technique used by individuals who cannot express opposing opinions, or have no facts or issues with which to counter such opinions.

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I love that quote. I'll remember it. As we both know from years in the legal field, there are a lot of inept debaters.

I'm new to the legal field I need help and some encouragement to get started in the legal field. Please tell me what can of attitude I need to have to make it in this line of work.

Add to all the above, current knowledge of rules and procedures (they are periodically changed), superior knowledge of software programs and finally "wax ears and alligator skin." Attorneys can be some of the most neurotic people around.

M C Thomjpson in LOS ANGELES in Buffalo, New York said: Paralegal pay is good here too, even starting paralegals (Jr Paralegals) get $30-35,000 a year, but Cost of Living here is high, gasoline prices are outrageous (presently $3.99 a gallon), and the commutes to work from decent living area's could kill you!

Re: your comment on attorneys getting help to be fair, considerate, etc..... good luck! Like I said, I have been very fortunate to have worked with some excellent attorneys (defense and plaintiff) and have great first name friendships with several still, and they have told me that for every good honest attorney who works well with his/her staff, there are 3 others who "could use some help". Perhaps if some of us went into the Law Schools and taught young attorneys what to expect from office staff's --and what a great staff can do to your bottom line; then they'd be more appreciative when they get out and start practicing.

Anyway, if you come out to So. Calif - bring your sunglasses and some super glue - the summers are fierce and you'll need to glue yourself to the ground to avoid the earthquakes...*G*

Well, I'm still in school studing to become a Paralegal and I must tell you this: I've worked as a Cook and made more money flipping burgers than you girl working your butts off! As a matter of fact I made 10K less than a starting attorney. My point: I think I'll stick to flipping burgers once I get my A.S degree done.

Just to reiterate: I wish to God I would have discovered this forum before I decided upon civil litigation as my concentration!