A Guide To Becoming A Georgia Paralegal Specialist

By Frances Hill


Paralegals handle a number of tasks for lawyers. Their duties usually vary from one employer to the next, but generally range from drafting letters to organizing documents. If you want to jump-start your career as a Georgia paralegal specialist, here is what you need to know.

Get a degree. Most law firms prefer candidates with an associate degree or a post baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies. To qualify for any of these programs, you need to have high school diploma. Keep in mind that you may not be able to enroll for certain courses if you possess an online diploma. It is therefore important to confirm the requirements of the school you are interested in first before applying.

There are a few things to take into account before choosing a program. Perhaps, the most important factor to look into is accreditation. You should be sure that you only undertake a course that has been accredited by the American Bar Association. This is a regulatory body that only grants accreditation to institutions that meet set training standards ideal for the industry.

Choose an area to specialize in. There are many legal practice areas that you can seek to specialize in depending on your interests or passion. To enjoy great prospects, it is advisable to settle for an area that is highly demanded in your area. Go through latest job listings to help you figure out what most employers are looking for.

Seek the relevant certifications. Some employers do not mind settling for candidates who are not certified. However, being professionally certified will make you appeal more to employers as you will have an advantage above others. If you meet set requirements, you can sit for exams offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Similar examinations are also offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.

Develop important skills. In this way, you will become one of the most desirable candidates for job vacancies that may arise. Some of the skills you need include time management, writing and the ability to think critically. Additionally, you should know how to make the best decisions and solve problems. Today, it is also vital that you how to use a computer to browse and send emails.

Seek experience. Most employers have a bias for candidates who have worked in a legal environment for one or two years. You should therefore strive to find work or intern at a law firm. Some of the duties you may be assigned during such a stint include answering phone calls, assisting other paralegals and filing. These duties will definitely look great on your resume and help you secure the job you envision.

Design a good resume and apply for jobs. Before seeking any vacancy, you should be sure that you have an impressive curriculum vitae. The document is what you will use to market your skills to prospective employers. It should therefore indicate your qualifications, skills, career objectives and experience among other things. You can work in many places that include public defense offices, property firms and law firms.




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