A True Story Of A Paralegal

Erin Brockovich - Watch the best video clips here

This is a movie (based on a true story) of Erin Brockovich, a single mother, who became a paralegal and made a name (and lots of money) for herself in playing a major role in a multibillion dollar lawsuit.

A paralegal assist a lawyer in criminal trials, in real estate, in government, in estate planning etc. Paralegals deal directly with clients and assist lawyers in legal research, interviewing clients, preparation of general paperwork and other supporting tasks in legal matters.

"One of a paralegal’s most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals might investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. If attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of all important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys." The US Department of Labour Occupation Outlook handbook 2008 - 2009 Edition

Generally, the legal responsibility for a paralegal's work rests directly and solely upon the lawyer. So the lawyer is responsible if the paralegal messes things up, that's why good paralegals are in high demand in today's competitive legal environment.

Whilst there is no specific educational requirement in most U.S. states for paralegals, lawyers often requires a paralegal to have some form of formal training prior to employing them due to the serious nature of a paralegal's work.

It is usual for paralegals to have completed a two-year course and some bachelor's degree in paralegal studies.

For those interested in becoming a paralegal, there are many oportunities for you to pursue an online law program in paralegal certification or a paralegal degree.

Most online law programs utilise the latest information technology to provide students with the best learning experience comparable to conventional on-campus studies.

Enrolling for an online law program helps you to gain experience while studying and it is also flexible and cheaper than the normal study programs.

Having a paralegal certificate or a paralegal degree gives you an advantage in this competitive and exciting field.

According to the The US Department of Labour Occupation Outlook handbook 2008- 2009 Edition, "Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations."

The Labour Occupation Outlook handbook 2008 - 2009 also indicated that the median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of paralegals were:

Federal Government $56,080
Management of companies and enterprises 52,220
Local government 42,170
Legal services 41,460
State government 38,020