This document provides information about careers for those with a degree in paralegal studies. It discusses the types of careers available including the possibility of working in law firms, corporations, or government. It also outlines the job duties, work environments, and earning potential for paralegal careers. The document encourages students to participate actively in their studies and provides resources for certification and professional associations in the field.

1. WELCOMEEVERESTSTUDENTS!

2. Presents: What you can do with a Degree in… Paralegal

4. Active participation increases your chances of earning As and Bs.

6. Section I: What Types of Careers are Available?

7. What do you think?

8. Significant Points Employment is expected to growmuch faster than average, but competition is expected Best Opportunities Formally trained Experienced paralegals Education A.S. or A.A. in Paralegal studies B.S. or B.A. in another field & certificate in paralegal studies About 71 percent work for law firms

9. EUOL Paralegal Studies Graduates

10. What Will I Do?

11. Where Will I Work?

12. Possible Job Titles

13. Possible Specialties Litigation Personal Injury Corporate Law Criminal Law Employee Benefits Intellectual Property Family Law Real Estate Immigration Bankruptcy Labor Law

14. Corporate Paralegals VS. Litigation Paralegals Often Assist With…

15. Working Conditions Work in offices and law libraries Occasional travel may be required Generally work a standard 40-hour week Most paralegals work year round Some temporarily employed during peak times Overtime may be required

16. Questions?

17. Section II: Employment in Legal Work

18. Employment Paralegals and legal assistants held about 263,800 jobs in 2008. Private law firms employed 71 % Remainder in corporate legal departments & government Federal Government DOJ is the largest employer Followed by the SSA and the DOT Small number of paralegals Own their own businesses Work as freelance legal assistants

19. What is my Earning Potential?

20. Job Outlook Employment is expected to grow by 28%through 2018! Why? Population Growth Companies Reducing Costs (Paralegals cheaper than lawyers) Increase in Paralegal Responsibilities Growth in Pre-Paid Legal Plans Increase in the size of “In House” Legal Departments

21. How can I separate myself from other Candidates?

22. Questions?

23. Section III: Certifications and Requirements

24. NALA Certification The National Association of Legal Assistants –

25. Professional Associations www.nala.org -The National Association of Legal Assistants isaprofessional association for legal assistants, providing continuing education and professional certification programs for paralegals. http://aapipara.org - American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. www.paralegals.org - The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam.

26. Websites for Additional Information and Job Opportunities http://www.bls.gov/oco/ - U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals - Standing Committee on Paralegals, American Bar Association http://www.nals.org/ - National Association of Legal Secretaries http://www.aafpe.org/ - American Association for Paralegal Education http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ - This is a resource for locating and applying for job opportunities

27. Questions?

28. For Follow up questions, please contact: studentservicesinfo@cci.edu How can I help you?