Erin Brockovich The Paralegal

Erin Brockovich-Ellis (born June 22, 1960) is an American legal clerk who, despite the lack of a formal law school education, was instrumental in constructing a case against the $28 billion Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), of California in 1993.

In 2000, a movie called Erin Brockovich staring Julia Roberts dramatizes her story about the PG&E case.

In March this year, Erin Brokovich, now an American anti-pollution campaigner announced that at least two American law firms are prepared to pursue the Australian "Alcoa case" (involving alumina refineries affecting residents in Perth, Australia) in the United States.

It is now able for you to pursue an online paralegal law program and become a qualified paralegal and get involved in exciting legal cases and make a difference in this world.

Someone has to do something to make things right, why not you ?

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

William Howard Taft University

William Howard Taft University is a private, accredited online university based in Santa Ana, California. It is established in 1976 and has expanded into a specialized distance education university and now offers many academic programs.

The Witkin School of Law of William Howard Taft University offers a variety of online law programs.

Accredited Online Law Degree Programs

So you want to become a lawyer through distance learning ?

You can become a lawyer by studying for a online law degree and completing the relevant bar exam. You can do it if you are determined and disciplined, many have already done so.

With the advancement of information technology almost anyone can now earn a juris doctorate (JD) from an online law program.

However, not all online law programs are approved by the American Bar Association. In order to qualify for the Bar Exam, you must have graduated from an online law degree program approved by the American Bar Association. It should be an accredited online law degree program. The jurisdiction of California, for instance, has a provision for approving certain online law programs.

Normally to qualify to practice as a lawyer in California, you must pursue an either an on-campus or online law degree program from an accredited law school to qualify to sit for the California Bar Exam.

If later you wish to practice law in another state other than California you can, if you have the relevant law practice experience in California, of usually 5 years. Then you will have to sit for the bar exams in the relevant other jurisdictions to qualify to practice there.

There is also provision for you to appeal to practice in another jurisdiction. You can apply to the relevant admission authority of the state where you intend to practice law, for approval to sit for their Bar Exam.

Alternatively, you can decide to practice in a state which permits alternative ways of qualifying as a lawyer. For instance in Washington or Colorado, you can qualify as a lawyer through an apprenticeship program. This way, you can work with a licensed attorney for a certain number of years determined by the state, as an apprentice. In this instance, whilst having a law degree is not a prerequisite, your online law degree will demonstrate mastery of the law and assist you in getting apprenticeship must faster and easier.

If you do not plan to practice law, a law degree can assist you to expend your skills and opportunities in your current career or an alternative career.

Many people decide to earn a law degree from via online law program do not intend to practice law as a lawyer. They, however, intend to pursue other opportunities within or outside their current career.

If you want to a career change, a law degree can be useful, and in some cases expected, in fields such as healthcare administration, human resources, research, law tutoring and compliance, a law degree is rather useful and regarded as an advantage.

You can also explore the area of corporate or commercial law by working as an in house legal counsel in a corporation.

An online law degree program is basically 4 years. As in a conventional law school program, there are core subjects that compulsory. However, there are a variety of other subjects that you may select as electives, but these may vary differ according to the online law program you study.

Usually, most online law programs include course instructors sending a syllabus, online lectures via MP3 or video, and students completing given assignments.

Students must also complete the reading list and can post questions and can make comments on discussion boards on the internet.

Some online law degree programs provide for the students and tutors to meet online via video technology, somewhat like a conference call for tutorials, lectures and discussions.

If you pursue an online law degree program, there is no requirement for you to physically attend campus, however, some online law programs do provide for students to use campus facilities, such as the library when required.

As online law programs do not have space limitation, they are open for enrollment anytime throughout the year.

Applications for admission are reviewed periodically and those accepted into the program are notified as soon as possible. Upon you submitting the relevant paperwork and paying the tuition fees, you may proceed to start studying almost immediately.

William Howard Taft University is one institution where students may begin their study anytime of the year.

Some online law degree programs are more controlled, they may only admit new students at certain times in a year.

It is important to enroll for an accredited online law degree program because accredited online law degree programs are designed to meet the state Bar requirements of the Bar exams, for instance, the California Bar exam.

The online law program must be 4 years in duration. With each academic year being construed as being not less than 48 weeks, but not more than 52 consecutive weeks.

As accredited online law degree programs have modeled their courses to closely resemble conventional on-campus law degree programs, certain subjects must be studied as a prerequisite.

The Concord Law School, for instance requires students enroll in the same classes, at the same times, throughout their academic career.

At the end of their 1st academic year, students must to pass the 1st year law students' exam, commonly called the "Baby Bar." It covers 1st year core subjects Torts, Criminal Law, and Contracts. This examination each year is in June and October.

To select a good online law program, you must research online law schools and online law degree programs very carefully. Carefully determine accreditations and reputation.

Ask about its faculty members, their credentials and experience. Know what online law programs are offered and compare this with other online law degree programs.

Determine the percentage of their students who sat and passed the Bar Exam.

When you enroll for an online law program, you have greater flexibility and the convenience of pursuing an online law degree at you own pace while holding on to a day job.

Further, you save a lot of money - you don't need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans to pay tuition and cover living expenses. You don’t have to mortgage your house to finance your education. Online law degree programs are much cheaper than conventiona on-campus law degree programs.

Online law program students are eligible for the same financial assistance as those law students studying on-campus. You may seek partial financing through the online university and pay the balance, after paying an initial down payment, by installments. You can apply for government financial assistance in the form of a student loan. You can also seek financial assistance from your company to cover the tuition fees. You can also apply for grants from organizations or clubs you belong to.

All About Online Law Programs

Technology today offers the benefit to anyone wanting to pursue a career in law without the need to physically attend law school. Various law degree programs are now available online.

With a law degree, opportunities abound for various career options, whether you want to become a lawyer, a politician, law enforcement or get a job as a law consultant, researcher, tutor, mediator or work in human resources, a online law degree program offers the flexibility while you stay put at your existing job.

It is important to ensure that the law degree you intend to pursue complies with the requirements of the jurisdiction you intend to practice in.

Law degrees and qualifications from accredited and reputable universities and colleges are currently offerred online.

By enrolling for a distance learning law degree program you can also work in law related fields while you complete your law program at your own pace - get experience while you study part time to get a law qualification.

A law degree is always an asset in many industries. Remember that different law school have different entry requirements for admittance. Be sure you inquire about the pre requisites for entry into the online law program before you commit any financial resources to any particular online law program.

Usually you will require a Juris Doctor program makes you eligible for a wide range of career opportunities in the law profession. After graduation, you must pass for the bar exam before you can qualify to practice as a lawyer.

If you do not intend to become a lawyer, then you need not sit for the bar exam.

There are also specialized programs and courses in law for those already having a basic law degree or a non law degree to specialize in a certain area in the law.

Whatever online law program you choose, make sure that your degree is duly accredited. Check with Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency listed by the U.S. Department of Education about accreditation. If you intend to practice law, you'd also have to check with the bar association in the jurisdiction you intend to practice in on the recognition of the law online program you intend to pursue.

Online law programs include online law degrees, online doctorate degrees, online law diplomas, online legal executive and para legal courses.