Linchpin is defined as follows:   Something [someone] that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together.   This truly defines the role of a paralegal in today’s ever changing legal field.   Often, what comes to mind when you think of the role of a paralegal are things like drafting documents, scheduling meetings, and taking notes. But that's so 20th century, and the role of paralegals is rapidly evolving, with traditional responsibilities being augmented or even replaced by new focus areas and opportunities for advancement, thanks in large part to the rise of E-Discovery.   More and more,..

Highly successful investment companies don’t just create large profits for the business itself; they also ensure that each investor has a healthy-sized portfolio.  There will always be highs and lows in the investment market, but proving that you have knowledgeable staff and secure methods will help you to retain your clientele.  In addition to hiring attorneys to review and revise business contracts as needed, there has to be a support system in place to deal with the day-to-day dealings.   Perhaps you don’t need several lawyers, legal interns, paralegal and legal secretaries to work at the helm of your company,..

Northwest Career College’s Paralegal Studies Program offers legal courses in specialized areas of law, to include a Wills, Trusts & Estates course; whereby, we discuss various aspects of Probate Law, specifically drafting and reviewing such documents as trusts, wills, and power of attorneys, just to name a few. Students research probate laws and procedure within the Nevada Revised Statutes, as well as the Uniform Probate Code (UPC).   We discuss actual matters in this area of law, in that, students present weekly current events and draft case summaries on such matters as the recently-publicized Busch Estate matter.   Here is..

Northwest Career College’s Paralegal Studies Program offers students the hands-on experience in legal research and writing necessary for their absolute success in our program and in the legal field. Specifically, our students gain experience in drafting various legal pleadings, correspondence and other documents. Students are also provided with the essentials to the development of their research skills, whereby they have direct access to such tools as WestlawNext, researching cases related to their legal matter they will be presenting and for use in matters during our class lectures and assignments. Students also research the applicable Nevada Revised Statutes, Court rules, United..

When I was in paralegal school, the teachers and the dean gave the impression that when we graduated we would all be carrying briefcases, working in a high-rise building, wearing suits, going to court and have our own assistant to do our filing and typing. Of course, we also would be earning a lot of money. However, none of this is true when you first graduate paralegal school. Just as with any profession, unless you are related to the person whose name is on the front door or at the top of the letterhead, you will have to pay your..

Changing times: Are paralegals the answer? As members of the legal profession we have been very careful about who gets to practice law - licensed attorneys and only licensed attorneys. Attorneys are licensed by the state, and the way in which attorneys obtain their license and maintain their license is carefully prescribed by state regulations. Additionally, every state has a statute prohibiting the “unauthorized practice of law.” We discuss UPL extensively in each of our courses with our Paralegal students to ensure their understanding of what is appropriate and expected as a Paralegal.   The “practice of law,” under the..

There are so many different paths existing with a career as a paralegal, as shown in this flow chart below. It truly depends on your area of interest. In reflecting upon this chart, if you enjoy assisting people and are sympathetic to your client’s needs, sensitive in nature, you may enjoy a career in estate planning and probate law, perhaps even a career in family law. Should your interest be in economics and federal laws, you may then enjoy specializing in the area of bankruptcy law or tax law. If you enjoy investigation, discovery and preparing all necessary evidence for..

Our Paralegal Studies Program here at Northwest Career College offers the best in legal education, research, writing and communication skills for each student’s utmost success as they transition into their prospective employment position in the legal community. Our paralegal students gain first-hand experience of the process while experiencing various field trips applicable to their studies.  Upon completion of their course studies, students then venture on to their 300-hour externship with a law firm or governmental agency so they may improve their skills and obtain experience on actual cases, under the direct supervision of an attorney, after which students then earn..

Picture someone assisting a lawyer in performing research, interviewing clients, preparing documents, or conducting a corporate meeting. If the assistant you picture is a woman, that image matches the typical workplace reality. But growing numbers of men are changing this stereotype about paralegals.   “There are more males entering the field now,” says John Shupper, chair and director of the Legal Studies department at South University — Columbia. “I’m seeing more men in my classes recently.” Shupper, who has taught prospective paralegals for years, points to former student Edgar Smith, Jr. as an exemplar.   “There are more men coming..

“Behind every great lawyer is a great paralegal” is a sentence scrawled on many a magnet and coffee mug. And there’s some truth in the saying, because paralegals aid attorneys in nearly every facet of the legal profession. From drafting motions to summarizing reports of legal precedent, a paralegal can help lighten a lawyer’s load tremendously. Like lawyers, paralegals can specialize in certain types of law, such as criminal, corporate, immigration and family. Also known as legal assistants, paralegals’ involvement in cases depends on their employer’s discretion. Some have a high degree of responsibility and autonomy, while others are restricted..