1. Paralegal Schools in Alaska (AK)
The following article published on Paralegal Training and Jobs blog.
Paralegal Schools in Alaska can prepare aspiring paralegals both for future employment and
for taking a national certification exam, therefore to stand out in a competitive job market. The
state of Alaska does not regulate its paralegals with respect to training and education, however,
the training programs are these that increase the value of a well trained paralegal who decides
to work in the state. Thus, ambitious paralegals may choose to start their employment in
profession either by earning a certificate or degree or by finding work which offers on-the-job
training.
Therefore, students will acquire knowledge on key aspects of law such as contracts, criminal
and domestic law, ethics, fundamentals of legal record research and legal instrument writing,
and other more specialized disciplines focusing on core coursework in paralegal studies, as well
as internships. Depending on the program chosen, the training can last between two and five
years. The Alaska Supreme Court’s Rule of Professional Conduct, clarify that paralegals must
work under the direct supervision of an attorney that accept responsibility for their professional
conduct.
ABA-Approved Paralegal Education Programs
The American Bar Association (ABA) evaluates the course of study as well as grants its
approval if the program satisfies specific conditions, such as length of study, quality of
education and class work. The majority of big law companies prefer to employ paralegals from
ABA-approved paralegal programs. In the state of Alaska there are currently only two
ABA-approved paralegal program:
University of Alaska Anchorage
Program Description: Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Telephone 907.786.1810
Degrees Offered: Post-Associate Certificate; Post-Secondary Certificate
Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/degreeprograms/parlalegalcert/index.cfm
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Program Description: Paralegal Studies Program
Telephone 907.455.2881
Degrees Offered: Associate in Applied Science
Website: www.tvc.uaf.edu/programs/paralegal/index.html
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2. Paralegal Certification in Alaska (AK)
The state of Alaska has no requirements for paralegal certification programs, but is a way to
identify the abilities of individual paralegals and therefore a certificate or degree can help
distinguish a job candidate. There are different entry requirements to certification, and certified
programs generally don't provide many general training courses as they offer specialized
coursework in paralegal studies and thus may be completed faster than degree programs.
The exams cover many areas of the paralegal profession, some of the main areas are legal
terminology, legal ethics, government, civil procedures, criminal law, family law and litigation. Be
noted that most employers prefer to hire those applicants who are certified by organizations that
offer national exams for paralegal certifications. Necessary also, for those who hold degrees
that have not been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and that require further
validation. Thus, there are four organizations that offer national exams for paralegal
certifications:
The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), that offers PACE/PCC
Exam.
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), that offers CLA/CP Exam.
The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS), that offers PP Exam.
The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI), that offers CP Exam, and requires
applicants to have worked several years in the field for them to earn certification.
Paralegal Associations in Alaska
In Alaska there are three organizations that assist paralegals to increase their abilities and grow
professionally through high moral and professional standards, providing social networking within
their field, and supporting educational opportunities for their members, offering continuing legal
education (CLE).
The Alaska Association Paralegal (AAP), an affiliate of the NFPA, helps members they
prepare for national certification through the PACE/PCC exams, and working towards
voluntary paralegal certification within state of Alaska.
The Fairbanks Association of Legal Assistants (FALA), an affiliate of the NALA, offers
scholarships and encourages its members to earn CLA/CP exam through NALA.
The NALS of Anchorage, an affiliate of the NALS, represents any legal support staff,
including paralegals and provides support to all those trying to earning the exams
through of national voluntary certification organizations.
Employment Outlook in Alaska
There is a good career possibility for graduate students of accredited Paralegal Schools in
Alaska, as there are jobs in the law firms, financial institutions or in the public sector, at the
local, state, or federal level. The duties of a paralegal include everything related to the practice
of law, like research, handling communications, preparing or filing documents of all kinds that
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3. are legal in nature, and organizing case files. For certified paralegals the job search process it is
easier when seeking new employment, and often are better paid than non-certified.
Important Contacts for Paralegals
American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)
Fairbanks Association of Legal Assistants (FALA)
Alaska Association Paralegal (AAP)
NALS of Anchorage
Alaska Bar Association
Alaska Division of Corporations
Alaska Court System
Original story: Paralegal Schools in Alaska (AK)
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