5 answers
Kristen
Student
Springfield, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How can I choose what type of paralegal I should be?
I'm currently a senior at a private school. I have always had an interest in the law field and just recently chose to go in the direction of being a paralegal. I desire to attend Drury University in Springfield, Mo. #law #paralegal #drury
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3674
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kristen,
Choosing the Right Type of Paralegal
As you embark on your journey to become a paralegal, it’s essential to consider various factors to determine the type of paralegal that best suits your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are some steps to help you choose the right type of paralegal:
1. Research Different Types of Paralegals: Start by researching the various types of paralegals to understand the different specialties within the field. Some common types of paralegals include litigation paralegals, corporate paralegals, real estate paralegals, immigration paralegals, and family law paralegals. Each specialization comes with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
2. Assess Your Interests and Skills: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and skills to identify which area of law aligns best with your passions and abilities. Consider what aspects of the law field excite you the most and where you believe you can make the most significant impact.
3. Seek Guidance from Professionals: Reach out to practicing paralegals or legal professionals in different specialties to gain insights into their daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
4. Consider Job Market Demand: Research the job market demand for different types of paralegals in your area or the region where you plan to work. Understanding which specialties are in high demand can help you choose a path that offers better career prospects.
5. Evaluate Educational Opportunities: Look into educational programs offered by institutions like Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, to see if they offer specialized courses or concentrations in specific areas of law. Choosing a program that aligns with your desired specialization can provide you with relevant knowledge and skills.
6. Gain Practical Experience: Consider pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities in different legal settings to gain hands-on experience in various areas of law. Practical exposure can help you determine which type of paralegal work resonates with you the most.
7. Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Keep in mind that your career path as a paralegal may evolve over time based on new opportunities, experiences, and changing interests. Stay open-minded and be willing to explore different specialties as you progress in your career.
By following these steps and taking the time to research, reflect, and seek guidance, you can make an informed decision about the type of paralegal you want to become.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides valuable insights into the legal profession, including information on different types of paralegals and their roles within the legal industry.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): The NFPA offers resources and guidance on various paralegal specialties, helping individuals understand the diverse career paths available in the field.
Drury University: Information from Drury University’s program offerings and faculty members can provide specific details on educational opportunities for aspiring paralegals in Springfield, Missouri.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Choosing the Right Type of Paralegal
As you embark on your journey to become a paralegal, it’s essential to consider various factors to determine the type of paralegal that best suits your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are some steps to help you choose the right type of paralegal:
1. Research Different Types of Paralegals: Start by researching the various types of paralegals to understand the different specialties within the field. Some common types of paralegals include litigation paralegals, corporate paralegals, real estate paralegals, immigration paralegals, and family law paralegals. Each specialization comes with its own set of responsibilities and requirements.
2. Assess Your Interests and Skills: Reflect on your interests, strengths, and skills to identify which area of law aligns best with your passions and abilities. Consider what aspects of the law field excite you the most and where you believe you can make the most significant impact.
3. Seek Guidance from Professionals: Reach out to practicing paralegals or legal professionals in different specialties to gain insights into their daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
4. Consider Job Market Demand: Research the job market demand for different types of paralegals in your area or the region where you plan to work. Understanding which specialties are in high demand can help you choose a path that offers better career prospects.
5. Evaluate Educational Opportunities: Look into educational programs offered by institutions like Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, to see if they offer specialized courses or concentrations in specific areas of law. Choosing a program that aligns with your desired specialization can provide you with relevant knowledge and skills.
6. Gain Practical Experience: Consider pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities in different legal settings to gain hands-on experience in various areas of law. Practical exposure can help you determine which type of paralegal work resonates with you the most.
7. Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Keep in mind that your career path as a paralegal may evolve over time based on new opportunities, experiences, and changing interests. Stay open-minded and be willing to explore different specialties as you progress in your career.
By following these steps and taking the time to research, reflect, and seek guidance, you can make an informed decision about the type of paralegal you want to become.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides valuable insights into the legal profession, including information on different types of paralegals and their roles within the legal industry.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): The NFPA offers resources and guidance on various paralegal specialties, helping individuals understand the diverse career paths available in the field.
Drury University: Information from Drury University’s program offerings and faculty members can provide specific details on educational opportunities for aspiring paralegals in Springfield, Missouri.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Abby Mack
Human Resources
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Abby’s Answer
Hi Kristen,
Being a paralegal can be an exciting and interesting field! I would highly recommend attending a college school with an American Bar Association-approved paralegal program.
You will be exposed to various types of law throughout your paralegal education and will find what you have a passion for. All types of law require advanced research skills and critical thinking. Litigation and Family law are typically better suited for extroverts, strategists, and people who enjoy public speaking while Real Estate and Estate/Probate are somewhat more routine.
Being a paralegal can be an exciting and interesting field! I would highly recommend attending a college school with an American Bar Association-approved paralegal program.
You will be exposed to various types of law throughout your paralegal education and will find what you have a passion for. All types of law require advanced research skills and critical thinking. Litigation and Family law are typically better suited for extroverts, strategists, and people who enjoy public speaking while Real Estate and Estate/Probate are somewhat more routine.
Thank you very much for your response and advice. I greatly appreciate it!!
Kristen
Autumn Johnson
1
Answer
Updated
Autumn’s Answer
Hi Kristen,
I understand that Drury offers an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, and it is one of the better online paralegal programs. I would reach out to admissions and ask to speak with current students about the classes and workload. I'd also ask to be connected with alumni to see if they felt the program prepared them for work as a paralegal and what job opportunities were available to them after graduating. And, check to see if you can be connected with an instructor and attend a class so you can get some first-hand experience. If you are thinking about a 4-year degree at Drury, I'd also consider majors like criminology, criminal justice, pre-law, or political science.
Lastly, I'd suggest trying to get some experience in prior to starting school. I know this is a little different, but when I was considering law school one thing I did was volunteer in a small municipal court. I mostly did paperwork, mail, etc. but I did get to sit in on some court sessions to help out where I could.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!
Autumn
I understand that Drury offers an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, and it is one of the better online paralegal programs. I would reach out to admissions and ask to speak with current students about the classes and workload. I'd also ask to be connected with alumni to see if they felt the program prepared them for work as a paralegal and what job opportunities were available to them after graduating. And, check to see if you can be connected with an instructor and attend a class so you can get some first-hand experience. If you are thinking about a 4-year degree at Drury, I'd also consider majors like criminology, criminal justice, pre-law, or political science.
Lastly, I'd suggest trying to get some experience in prior to starting school. I know this is a little different, but when I was considering law school one thing I did was volunteer in a small municipal court. I mostly did paperwork, mail, etc. but I did get to sit in on some court sessions to help out where I could.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!
Autumn
Thank you very much!!! I deeply appreciate it!!!
Kristen
angie azur
Writer | Artist | Death Doula | Yoga | Meditation | Psychology | Philosophy
78
Answers
Weaverville, NC
Updated
angie’s Answer
Hello, Kristen,
I am not a paralegal, but I believe if you want to find out which type to choose this might help:
First, put one hand on your belly and one on your heart. Then ask yourself which type of paralegal would best suit your interests.
See what you hear from inside of yourself.
See if you hear, corporate, nursing, immigration, freelance, intellectual, labor, litigation, real estate....these are just a few types. But if you hear one, or two or even three....take note. Write them down.
Next, email at least 3 paralegals from each group and ask them questions about their work. Ask them what you are curious about.
If no one replies, get on the phone....we are so used to emails, and many go into junk folders....so get on the phone. You will be noticed if you reach out like that and leave a message.
Do your research next. Which out of the ones that came to you are the most interesting to you right now? Write down why. Go to a library and ask for help finding books on each one....read about it. (YES, go to a real library, not information on the internet) If you are bored halfway through the reading, that might not be the right route. Find one that excites you!
Good luck to you!
I am not a paralegal, but I believe if you want to find out which type to choose this might help:
First, put one hand on your belly and one on your heart. Then ask yourself which type of paralegal would best suit your interests.
See what you hear from inside of yourself.
See if you hear, corporate, nursing, immigration, freelance, intellectual, labor, litigation, real estate....these are just a few types. But if you hear one, or two or even three....take note. Write them down.
Next, email at least 3 paralegals from each group and ask them questions about their work. Ask them what you are curious about.
If no one replies, get on the phone....we are so used to emails, and many go into junk folders....so get on the phone. You will be noticed if you reach out like that and leave a message.
Do your research next. Which out of the ones that came to you are the most interesting to you right now? Write down why. Go to a library and ask for help finding books on each one....read about it. (YES, go to a real library, not information on the internet) If you are bored halfway through the reading, that might not be the right route. Find one that excites you!
Good luck to you!
Thank you very much!! I greatly appreciate your advice!!
Kristen
Traci Thomas
Corporate Patent Paralegal
23
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Traci’s Answer
Hi Kristen! I'm excited to hear you want to become a paralegal!
I received my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and I had my heart set on becoming a criminal law paralegal. But after college I moved across the country and took a job as a corporate paralegal and volunteered to cover their intellectual property portfolio, which was mostly trademarks. That's when I fell in love with intellectual property and knew I wanted to work in that area of law. It wasn't until I moved across the country again and took a job as a patent paralegal that I realized patents is exactly where I wanted to be. So for me, it was the experience that made me realize exactly what I wanted to do. (I also considered water law, which I think would be very interesting.)
I agree with Abby's answer that through your paralegal education you may find the area of law that interests you most. I obtained my four-year Bachelor's degree and then took additional paralegal certificate courses on top of that. I see Drury University has a Pre-Law path and when I did a search I found they have an online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program: https://www.drury.edu/go/associate-paralegal-studies/. This program will introduce you to different areas of law, and I see they offer an internship with a practicing attorney which would be an amazing opportunity to really see if the area you are most interested in is exactly what you'd like to do after school. Here is another good link to check out, if you'd like to stay in Missouri: https://www.paralegaledu.org/missouri/ and also: https://www.lawyeredu.org/missouri-paralegal.html.
I wish you all the best as you finish up your senior year! :)
I received my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and I had my heart set on becoming a criminal law paralegal. But after college I moved across the country and took a job as a corporate paralegal and volunteered to cover their intellectual property portfolio, which was mostly trademarks. That's when I fell in love with intellectual property and knew I wanted to work in that area of law. It wasn't until I moved across the country again and took a job as a patent paralegal that I realized patents is exactly where I wanted to be. So for me, it was the experience that made me realize exactly what I wanted to do. (I also considered water law, which I think would be very interesting.)
I agree with Abby's answer that through your paralegal education you may find the area of law that interests you most. I obtained my four-year Bachelor's degree and then took additional paralegal certificate courses on top of that. I see Drury University has a Pre-Law path and when I did a search I found they have an online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program: https://www.drury.edu/go/associate-paralegal-studies/. This program will introduce you to different areas of law, and I see they offer an internship with a practicing attorney which would be an amazing opportunity to really see if the area you are most interested in is exactly what you'd like to do after school. Here is another good link to check out, if you'd like to stay in Missouri: https://www.paralegaledu.org/missouri/ and also: https://www.lawyeredu.org/missouri-paralegal.html.
I wish you all the best as you finish up your senior year! :)
Thank you very much Traci for your incredible advice!! I found it extremely helpful!!
Kristen