In Canada and UK, Paralegals can work independently from a lawyer and represent clients in court in Immigration, Family Law and Traffic Ticket cases. They also can work under the supervision of a Lawyer but it is not mandatory. In America, Paralegals do the same duties as what Law Clerks do in Canada and UK- they are not able to represent clients in court but are responsible for legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders etc. Legal Secretaries do mostly administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and handling the law firms communication like answering the phone and emails; they would be considered the lawyers "gofer" as most people say.
In Ontario, Canada, you can’t handle family law. You can, however, also handle landlord-tenant disputes, criminal matters (summary conviction) with maximum sentences no longer than 6 months, small claims, and the rest you mentioned.
Great information! I too was in the Military and am using my G.I Bill to get an Associates at the moment while I pursue my career options. Paralegal seems to be work that I would enjoy and fits my personality and overall demeanor. Thank you for sharing this video, it is much appreciated.
The young lady speaking at 53:56 (Maria?) makes an excellent point. Being exposed to different practice areas does give you the opportunity to understand how each would fit into your life. As she said, for some of those areas you wouldn't have "a life". If you don't have that kind of exposure, that's when networking comes into play.
Hi, Mrs. Tara great information. I am a Lawyer and Chemist from Venezuela, florida's resident, wondering how I get in contact with you about a job opportunity in your firm
@David Bush Go for it. I'm a dude and have 3 years in being litigation paralegal and you may have a leg up being a dude and it's a profession you can thrive in WITHOUT a degree or certificate. If anyone tells you different.. they're lying!
If you volunteer for a public speaking event for a career panel discussion atleast add a Public Speaking course or two to your list of abilities. Kate did nothing but repeat herself. Very annoying. And prepare for it. Shauza and the oriental lady did great. But look at thier backgrounds.
In Canada and UK, Paralegals can work independently from a lawyer and represent clients in court in Immigration, Family Law and Traffic Ticket cases. They also can work under the supervision of a Lawyer but it is not mandatory. In America, Paralegals do the same duties as what Law Clerks do in Canada and UK- they are not able to represent clients in court but are responsible for legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders etc. Legal Secretaries do mostly administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and handling the law firms communication like answering the phone and emails; they would be considered the lawyers "gofer" as most people say.
Reckless Savage hello do you live in Canada? What is it like working as a paralegal there and is it sustainable to work for yourself thanks
In Ontario, Canada, you can’t handle family law. You can, however, also handle landlord-tenant disputes, criminal matters (summary conviction) with maximum sentences no longer than 6 months, small claims, and the rest you mentioned.
Exactly what I needed. Thanks so much for having this career panel and posting for us to see!
+Malenda Sacaza are you going to be a paralegal?
Great information! I too was in the Military and am using my G.I Bill to get an Associates at the moment while I pursue my career options. Paralegal seems to be work that I would enjoy and fits my personality and overall demeanor. Thank you for sharing this video, it is much appreciated.
Thanks especially to the moderator Tara!
Nice opportunities
The young lady speaking at 53:56 (Maria?) makes an excellent point. Being exposed to different practice areas does give you the opportunity to understand how each would fit into your life. As she said, for some of those areas you wouldn't have "a life". If you don't have that kind of exposure, that's when networking comes into play.
wow thank you so much this is exactly the information I needed!
+Raquel Horeth are you going to be paralegal ?
Valuable information with a lot of insight. Thank you so much for putting this together.
Thank you ladies... very informative!
Newly graduate..this is insightful
..questions to answers
This was very informative as I am looking into going into a paralegal program to start a new career.
Good luck! I hope you will enjoy the coursework...I do! It's very exciting
think god for this panel its helped me out...thanks lady
Very helpful! Thank you!
Great info! Thanks!
Hi, Mrs. Tara great information. I am a Lawyer and Chemist from Venezuela, florida's resident, wondering how I get in contact with you about a job opportunity in your firm
If you want to do more research in your career, what kind of resources, education should I look into?
is this a female dominated career path?
Even if it is that shouldn’t stop you
@David Bush Go for it. I'm a dude and have 3 years in being litigation paralegal and you may have a leg up being a dude and it's a profession you can thrive in WITHOUT a degree or certificate. If anyone tells you different.. they're lying!
Carla Linton. I want to be a Paralegal.
Do you need a BA ?
+Shawn Afshar You can work as a paralegal with an associates
34:00
If you volunteer for a public speaking event for a career panel discussion atleast add a Public Speaking course or two to your list of abilities. Kate did nothing but repeat herself. Very annoying. And prepare for it. Shauza and the oriental lady did great. But look at thier backgrounds.
You are the lawyers gofer; and you are not to work on your own.
Great info, but am I the only one who finds it irritating how they talk with their hands? It's quite distracting, lol
From a psychological standpoint, it means they are very open and honest