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WELCOME to
LCSC's Paralegal Website! |
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Because
you are viewing this site, either you have made the decision to
attend
our program, or you are considering a career change and wonder what
the
Paralegal field is all about. This page will attempt to explain the
whats and
the whys of one of the fastest growing careers. Lets start
with the WHATS!
WHAT IS A PARALEGAL?
A paralegal, also
referred to as a legal assistant, is "a person, qualified
through
education, training or work experience, to perform substantive and
procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of
the
paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals have
knowledge of the
law gained through education, or education and work
experience, which qualifies
them to perform legal work.
Paralegals adhere to recognized ethical standards
and rules of
professional responsibility."
American Association for Paralegal Education
WHAT DOES A PARALEGAL
DO?
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Interviews and
maintains contact with clients
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Locate and interview
witnesses
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Conduct
investigations
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Conduct legal
research
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Draft legal
documents, correspondence, and pleadings
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Summarize
depositions, interrogatories, and testimony
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Attend real estate
closings, depositions, court hearings, and trials
A paralegal CANNOT
give legal advice, represent clients in court, set the legal
fee, or enter
into the lawyer/client relationship. These duties are considered the
practice of law and can only be done by a licensed attorney. A
Paralegal's work
MUST be supervised by a licensed lawyer.
WHY CHOOSE A CAREER IN
PARALEGAL?
According to the
Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics states,
"...employment of paralegals is expected to grow much
faster than
average -- ranking among the fastest growing occupations
through
2006...." What this means is there will be an estimated 77,000
new paralegal jobs by the year 2005! In addition to the fabulous
employment
outlook, a career as a paralegal is extremely exciting,
challenging, and
rewarding!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
contact:
Lori Ann McCann,
Program Coordinator
Lewis-Clark State College
500 - 8th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
(208) 792-2363
E-mail: lmccann@lcsc.edu
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