Paralegal jobs are required across a number of organisations and have duties that can vary a great amount depending on where the job is held. However, generally speaking the term is used to describe legal assistant jobs where legal work is carried out without actually being a qualified lawyer. See the following legal job description if you are interested in paralegal jobs. Paralegals can be employed in various types of organisation, including: •    Law firms •    Public sector organisations •    Business •    Industry Although there is not a particular requirement in terms of qualifications or experience, entry to this type of work can be helped along with certain training. This can be obtained from places such as the Institute of Paralegals. This profession is growing though, and this could mean that it will become much more regulated in the future. Legal assistant jobs like this can entail a range of work from both ends of the spectrum, including: •    Administration •    Arranging meetings, phone work •    Drafting and proofreading •    Taking notes in court •    Letter writing •    Managing case files •    Legal research tasks •    Liaising with clients •    Taking statements from witnesses

Legal assistant jobs come in a number of different forms and can require certain training depending on the role. This legal job description will outline the types of work that can be found to assist legal professionals and what the jobs involve. If you are thinking about finding paralegal jobs, see the following legal job description for more information about this sort of work. Legal Assistant Jobs This type of work can also be name paralegal jobs and is in place to provide support for lawyers. Those in legal assistant jobs cannot give legal advice to clients, nor can they sign legal documents or represent someone in court. Often, legal assistants see clients before solicitors do. Their role is to interview the client and any witnesses first so that important information can be passed onto the solicitor regarding the case. Paralegal jobs often require a variety of different duties to be carried out within a firm. Solicitors could ask assistants to draft contracts or other types of legal documents before being handed over to clients. Barristers use assistants to carry out appropriate research to support a case, as well as giving general support throughout a court case. Legal Job Description – The Work According to the particular field of law, paralegal jobs require different types of knowledge. More general legal knowledge is often needed, however certain firms specialise in specific fields, which means a more focussed knowledge is sought. The work can vary greatly from firm to firm, but if the candidate has legal experience or knowledge in a certain area that is more appropriate to the company, they will be chosen over someone with more general experience. For instance, a candidate with knowledge in family law will be involved in matters regarding adoption, divorce and custody. Qualities and Skills for Legal Assistant Jobs Anyone considering applying for legal support jobs should have the following qualities: •    Exceptional writing and research skills •    Attention to detail •    Customer service skills •    Knowledge/qualifications of the law practised •    Computer literacy •    Good admin and general secretarial skills/experience Along with the legal knowledge and qualifications, paralegal jobs will require a candidate to have some secretarial and administration experience, good legal research skills and excellent writing skills.

Legal support jobs require you to be trained with the right law education in order to provide support for lawyers. A person in a legal assistant job cannot give clients legal advice, sign legal documentation, or represent anyone in court. Along with the legal knowledge and qualifications, legal assistant jobs will require a candidate to have some secretarial and administration experience, good legal research skills and excellent writing skills.

Somebody in a legal assistant job would be expected to carry out a number of different tasks within a firm. Supervising lawyers may ask a legal assistant to draft contracts as well as some other legal documents before they are given to the lawyer and their client. Legal research will also be carried out in order to support a client’s case and generally assist the barrister in a courtroom situation. Before clients see a lawyer, legal assistant work may entail interviewing them and any witnesses that may be involved. This kind of work is effective for a case as it provides a solicitor with all the necessary initial information needed to build a case. Depending on the specific field of law, legal support jobs will probably seek more general legal knowledge from candidates. However, if a candidate does have relevant experience in a particular field, legal assistant work would be given to that person to save on training on the job. Firms will exploit particular strengths in candidates and so their work may vary. An example of this is if a potential legal assistant has experience or particular knowledge in family law. This candidate will be used for his/her know-how of adoption, divorce, custody and prenuptial agreement document writing. Anyone considering applying for legal support jobs should have the following qualities:

• Exceptional writing and research skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Knowledge/qualifications of the law practised
• Computer literacy
• Good admin and general secretarial skills/experience

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) is the first organization of its type to achieve accreditation from the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQUAL), the Government agency regulating qualifications in England. With NALPs excellent track record, the accreditation enhances the professional body’s standing within the UK and internationally. Amanda Hamilton, Chief Executive of NALP, expressed her delight at the accreditation and commented on the unique nature of the courses. “What makes the NALP’s qualifications special is that they have been specifically designed and are recognised by the profession.  This means that students interested in working as a paralegal will have easier access to accredited courses and training’. NALP is the leading professional body for paralegals in England and Wales and specialises in promoting the Paralegal Profession and paralegal training offering courses for school leavers, legal support staff, law graduates and career changers. ‘The OFQUAL status award has enhanced our opportunity to service the increased demand from potential students’, said Ms Hamilton.  ‘NALP has now extended access and are planning to encourage more colleges and universities to run their courses throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland’ The National Association of Licensed Paralegals will be celebrating their 23^rd Anniversary and Awarding Body Status on the 11^th March 2010 at the House of Commons. For further information please contact:  Lauren Emmett: Lauren@globalpr.co.uk or 0113 218 0118

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD – QUALIFY AS A PARALEGAL

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals introduced the term ‘Paralegal’ into the UK and is the only recognized professional governing body that has dedicated itself to the promotion of paralegals in England, Wales and N. Ireland and all matters ‘Paralegal’ for 22 years. NALP offers recognised accredited Paralegal Qualifications from entry level to post graduate and beyond either online with full tutorial support, or by class attendance. We accredit a practical paralegal skills course that has been successfully running for 16 years. Over 8,000 students have gained qualifications through us, why not be one of them. LAW GRADUATES Enrol now for the Post Graduate Diploma in Paralegal Practice starting September 30^th 2009. Further information about the Association, our affordable courses and levels of membership can be viewed by visiting our website. Click Here To View This Site