Online Class: Paralegal Studies Career Overview

Name: Paralegal Studies Career Overview
Price: 95.00 USD

Step into the world of paralegal studies with a course designed to empower and elevate your career through precision and strategic insight. Beyond mere introductions, you'll master legal research, documentation, and communication, while learning to navigate complex work environments with confidence and savvy.

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16

Lessons
18

Exams &
Assignments
511

Students
have taken this course
15

Hours
average time
1.5

CEUs

Course Description

Transform Your Career with the Ultimate Paralegal Studies Course

Imagine stepping into a role where your precision, dedication, and intellect shape the outcomes of legal cases. As a paralegal, you're not just a cog in the machine-you're the force that drives the legal engine forward. You're the trusted partner, the problem solver, and the strategist who ensures every case is meticulously prepared and executed. Now, imagine having the tools, insights, and confidence to excel in this vital role. That's exactly what this course is designed to deliver.

Whether you're exploring the idea of becoming a paralegal, seeking to enhance your skills, or aiming to secure your first position in a firm, this course will set you on the path to success. But this isn't just another "intro to paralegal studies" program. It's a transformative experience crafted by experts who've walked the walk-paralegals and attorneys who know the field inside and out.

From day one, you'll feel empowered. This course doesn't just skim the surface; it dives deep into the real-world challenges and opportunities paralegals face. You'll gain an insider's understanding of what it truly means to support attorneys, manage clients, and navigate the complexities of the legal world. You'll uncover the secrets to mastering legal research, crafting flawless court documents, and anticipating the needs of the legal team-all while developing the confidence to excel under pressure.

But what truly sets this course apart is its focus on the unspoken dynamics of the profession. You'll learn not just the "what" but the "how." How to communicate effectively with clients, earn the trust of your legal team, and establish yourself as an indispensable asset in any law firm. You'll gain practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls and navigating office politics, ensuring you're ready to thrive in your career from the start.

This is more than just a course; it's a bridge to the career you've been envisioning. You'll leave equipped not only with the technical knowledge to excel but with the confidence and insight to stand out in a competitive field.

If you're ready to invest in your future, to transform your potential into expertise, and to take the first step toward a career that truly matters, this course is your next move. Enroll today-and step into the profession with the knowledge, skills, and passion to make a difference. Your future in law starts here.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Legal Secretary Career Overview

Legal Terminology 101

Proofreading and Copyediting 101

Completely Online
Self-Paced
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(656 votes)

Lesson 1. Exploring a Paralegal Career: Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities

Embracing the dynamic nature of legal work, paralegals can explore specializations and advanced roles while balancing the challenges of their responsibilities. Opportunities for career growth are vast, whether in deepening expertise as a paralegal or transitioning to a legal practitioner role. 16 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Motives for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1: So You Want To Be A Paralegal?

Lesson 2. Essential Qualifications for Paralegals

A robust educational path, blending associate degrees, bachelor's programs, and paralegal certifications, lays the foundation for legal expertise, with internships providing invaluable practical experience. Networking through professional organizations and mastering legal technologies are crucial for staying competitive and achieving career growth within the legal field. 11 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 2: Qualifying, Education & Certifications

Lesson 3. Unlocking Law Firm Roles: Mastering the Hiring and Salary Negotiation Process

Breaking into a law firm often involves hurdling past gatekeepers, who play a pivotal role in the hiring process. Establishing a strong initial impression and leveraging temporary positions can significantly enhance prospects for permanent roles. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 3: Making the Cut: Getting Hired & Negotiating Your Salary

Lesson 4. Navigating Unspoken Rules for Career Growth

Understanding firm culture and exercising professional boundaries are essential in law firms to mitigate potential career setbacks. Strategic mentorship, continuous learning, and leveraging resources are vital in establishing leadership potential and achieving promotions. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 4: Unspoken Expectations & How to Get Promoted at Your Firm

Lesson 5. Exploring the Attorney's Psyche: A Paralegal's Guide

Attorneys' egos drive their success and bolster their confidence, akin to athletes' or performers' stage presence. Paralegals navigating these dynamics with patience and diplomacy maintain harmony in the demanding legal practice. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 5: Attorneys, Attitudes, Egos and Your Managing Attorney

Lesson 6. Mastering Communication: A Guide to Language, Business, and Legal Dynamics

Motivational and ethical literature provides valuable insights into personal and professional development, applicable to challenging legal scenarios. Applying principles from such books fosters ethical leadership and effective time management, crucial for overcoming industry obstacles. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 6: Language and Business Philosophy That Brings Favor From Attorneys

Lesson 7. Effective Practice in Paralegal Duties

Success for a paralegal hinges on precise adherence to firm protocols and the ability to anticipate potential scapegoating scenarios. By fostering ongoing education and transparent communication, they strengthen their professional standing and resilience in legal settings. 15 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 7: Things Paralegals Get Burned Over: Protocol & Scapegoats

Lesson 8. Mastering Paralegal Dynamics

Navigating the pecking order among paralegals in law firms involves understanding hierarchical dynamics based on tenure, specialization, and certifications, aiming for respect and professional success. Building relationships through mentorship, effective communication, and continuous learning fosters a positive work environment conducive to growth. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 8: Pecking Order Among Paralegals - How to Get Along with Your Interoffice Competition

Lesson 9. Aligning Legal Workflows: Case Management Through Attorney Collaboration and Deadline Focus

Successful case management in law demands understanding of trial timelines, attorney collaboration, and exigent case handling. Paralegals enhance their work by utilizing technology, maintaining flexibility, and committing to ongoing education and skill development. 15 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 9: Managing Your Case Load: Priorities and Management Styles

Lesson 10. Essential Paralegal Skills

Infused with the essence of technology and a drive for continuous improvement, paralegals bolster legal processes with exceptional research and attorney support. Mastery in essential skills such as communication, public relations, and technical acumen amplifies their impact in achieving justice. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 10: Research, Attorney Support and Lexis Nexis

Lesson 11. Revolutionizing Legal Case Management through Technology

Originally rudimentary, early case management systems like Paradox allowed for centralized data storage, facilitating communication and client reassurance during complex cases. Now, with platforms like eCase and PracticePanther, firms can bridge the gap between legal professionals and clients through user-friendly, cloud-based tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 11: Your Firm's Case Tracking Systems; eCase, Paradox, etc.

Lesson 12. Mastering Legal Correspondence: Emails, Calls, and Filing

Mastering digital communication, especially through emails, is crucial for paralegals as messages can serve as legal evidence and impact case outcomes. Efficient email management, timely responses, and proper record-keeping safeguard a paralegal's professional integrity and support successful legal practices. 12 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 12: Email, Phone Calls & Filing

Lesson 13. Navigating the Nuances of Legal Client Management

Striking the right balance between warmth and professionalism is critical in client interactions to safeguard case integrity and firm reputation. Knowing when to escalate client queries to an attorney maintains legal protocols and ensures clients receive the most accurate information. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 13: Client Relations & Office to Office Relations

Lesson 14. Paralegals and the Pillars of Confidentiality

Rooted in English common law, attorney-client privilege is an established legal doctrine protecting client-lawyer communications worldwide. A paralegal must diligently maintain this confidentiality to support the legal process and uphold ethical standards, ensuring privileged information remains secure. 14 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 14: Attorney/Client Privilege & Your Role in It

Lesson 15. Navigating the Complex World of Law Firm Dynamics: A Paralegal's Guide

In uncertain economic times, recognizing signs of potential downsizing, such as hiring freezes and budget cuts, can help paralegals proactively enhance their skills to safeguard job security. Diversifying abilities and fostering genuine professional relationships can make one indispensable and resilient against organizational changes. 15 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 15: Office Politics, Downsizing & Firm Mergers

Lesson 16. Thriving as a Paralegal: Rewards Beyond the Paycheck

Celebratory functions like holiday parties and team dinners are essential for paralegals, offering networking opportunities outside professional settings. These events strengthen intra-firm relationships and contribute to both individual satisfaction and team resiliency. 89 Total Points

Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 16: Year End Bonuses, Fringe Perks, Parties & Dinners
Assessment: The Final Exam

299

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define what a paralegal is.
Describe attorneys, attitudes, egos and your managing attorney.
Describe language and business philosophy that brings favor from attorneys.
Describe things paralegals get burned over - protocol and scapegoats.
Summarize how to get along with your interoffice competition.
Summarize priorities and management styles.
Describe research, attorney support and Lexis Nexis.
Describe email, phone calls and filing procedures.
Summarize client relations and office to office relations.
Describe attorney/client privilege and your role in it.
Summarize office politics, downsizing and firm mergers.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: Paralegal Studies Career Overview

Course Number: 7550162

Lessons Rating: 4.66 / 5 Stars (656 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.

Last Updated: May 2022

CEU Value: 1.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Linda Zavadil

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

"THE INSTRUCTOR IS VERY EXCELLENT" -- MONTAS R.
"Instructor is excellent. She corrected me when i needed it." -- Delia F.
"What a terrific instructor and very helpful!!" -- Elizabeth I.
"Taking this course has changed my life and has inspired me to continue learning. What was most helpful was the comprehensive course content." -- Alexandria B.
"This course painted a vivid picture of the working environment at a law firm." -- Karen R.
"The whole course was a plus!" -- Sidney P.
"Thank you for all the comments and recommendations." -- Ramona E.