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What is a paralegal exactly?

What exactly are the duties of a paralegal?

  • What sort of degree is required? Any idea what the starting salary is (ballpark) for a paralegal in MD? Thx.

  • Answer:

    The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" marketable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals. Good luck!

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Those paralegal "certificates" are scams - they aren't worth the paper they are written on, in TODAY'S job market. You'll need a BACHELOR'S degree in Paralegal studies from a traditional college/university. REMEMBER: We are in a RECESSION. Employers today can afford to be - and are very, very picky. The competition is FIERCE in today's job market/economy. No, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice won't count for a two-year degree - unless you are trying to work for an attorney that does criminal law - it MIGHT help some in that instance. Jobs in the field of Law are drying up FAST!! This is a rapidly SHRINKING vocational field. This is not a good field to invest time and/or money into. Many reasons. Today, many people (mistakenly) think they can do their own legal work, thanks to the Internet >less need for legal support staff. Today, attorneys are purchasing powerful software that can do anything, just about >less need for legal support staff. We simply already have WAY TOO MANY Legal Professionals - we have a GLUT! ("Legal Professionals" includes, but is not limited to: Attorneys/Lawyers, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Bailiffs, Court Reporters, etc, etc.) Since there are already way too many Legal Professionals, there is no need to talk about salary, because there are no available jobs in this field. If you don't believe me, just do a search on this here on Yahoo Answers to see what other posters are saying. If you want a JOB when you are done with your studies, consider and look into the field of HEALTHCARE! <THIS is where the jobs are in today's job market! and scholarships! Good luck.

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A two year degree plus a paralegal certificate. I'm guessing $40K.

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