Discover a Career as a Paralegal

Discover a Career as a Paralegal Module 1
(Introduction, Lessons 1 and 2)
Paralegal Duties

Module one provides an overview of the judicial system and work possibilities for the paralegal. Paralegals can work in a variety of places such as large corporate level departments, federal, state and local governments, as well as legal aid offices and unions. Common law categories and job opportunities are also covered.

• Duties of a Paralegal in a Law Firm and Public Sector
• Skills Required by a Paralegal
• Importance of the Legal Precedence in American Jurisprudence
• Paralegal Specialties
• Categories Used to Describe Types of Law

Discover a Career as a Paralegal Module 2
(Lessons 3 and 4)
Legal Authority
  
When researching and writing legal material, a paralegal must first gather and cite sources possessing mandatory, or binding, authority to the court litigating the case.  Module two covers the importance of a paralegal’s role for the law team in fact-finding missions. Knowing the aim of the investigation and following through with factual sources of information is a key to a paralegal’s success in this realm of his or her job duties.

• Explanation of Mandatory and Persuasive Authority
• Understanding of Primary and Secondary Authority
• The Court Doctrine of Stare Decisis
• Preparing Legal Documents
• Gathering Evidence as a Paralegal

Discover a Career as a Paralegal Module 3
(Lessons 5 and 6)
Legal Research

Module three covers preparation, professionalism, directing tone and driving the avenue of a conversation. A paralegal must ensure the information discussed in an interview provides quality information and facts.

This module discusses applicable law that involves the regulation, executive order, judicial decision or statute that determines the legal standing of an issue or a case. 

• Preparing for the Initial Interview 
• Searching for Applicable Law
• Pre-Trial Duties for a Paralegal in a Civil Case
• Differences Between Procedural and Substantive Law
• Criminal Trial Procedures

Discover a Career as a Paralegal Module 4
(Lessons 7 and 8, Conclusion)
Effective Writing Style

For a paralegal, effective writing involves keeping it simple and to the point. This module discusses proper writing styles, proofreading and correcting errors. Module four covers implementing a good filing system, organizing those files and ways of retrieving them with speed. We will also discuss rules of ethics in providing sound legal advice to clients.

• Effective Writing for a Paralegal
• Mastering the Mechanics of Writing
• Maintaining a Good Filing System
• Most Important Rules of Ethics
• Using a Calendar System for Time Management