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Paralegal Blog

Katie Fridsma

Recent Posts

Five Reasons to Become a Paralegal

Posted by Katie Fridsma

Feb 5, 2019 7:25:00 AM

When people think about a law career, their first thought is often of lawyers and judges.  We often see these professionals dramatically depicted in popular films and TV shows as they question witnesses, uncover evidence, and cast verdicts.  But you'd be mistaken if you thought the legal profession was limited to judges and attorneys.  Paralegals make up a significant sector of careers in the law field, assisting attorneys every step of the way.

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Topics: career, education and training

Endless Opportunities for Paralegal Employment

Posted by Katie Fridsma

Dec 17, 2013 9:03:00 AM

Whether you’re interested in a paralegal education or already a paralegal, you may be wondering what jobs are available for paralegals.  What if you are not interested in working as a traditional paralegal?  Are you looking for something different, but don’t know what else you can do with a paralegal certificate or degree?  Here are just a few related jobs that applicants with paralegal training can branch into:

Contracts Administrator  Paralegal career opportunities

Do you enjoy reviewing contracts?  A contract administrator makes sure the parties involved practice due diligence and comply with the terms, conditions, rights and obligations of a contract. He or she also coordinates any changes to the agreement that might occur over the course of the contract and performs the closeout process when both parties have met their obligations.  If you loved your Corporate and Business Law class, then this may be an area of interest for you!

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Topics: graduates and alumni, career, technology, paralegal skills, education and training

Education vs. Experience: Which Is More Valuable to Paralegal Employers?

Posted by Katie Fridsma

Dec 10, 2013 9:03:00 AM

The great debate

When employers look to hire a new employee, which do they believe is better—education or experience?  Does book knowledge outweigh hands-on experience?  Or would a “seasoned” employee be a better addition to the team?

Those on the education side quickly cite various statistics on the impact of education on a person’s future, employability, and earnings.  Yet, those who lean to the side of experience always bring up famous college dropouts like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.paralegal experience

Someone with a formal education and considered “book smart” may easily deal with real-world work situations. However, they may still have a hard time landing that first job if they lack experience.  On the other hand, the person with experience but lacking any formal education may do well in certain positions.  However, they may find it difficult to advance professionally in their chosen career.

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Topics: career, paralegal externship, education and training

A Simple Guide to Applying for Financial Aid

Posted by Katie Fridsma

Dec 3, 2013 3:40:00 PM

paralegal tuition and financial aid questionsMaking the decision to go to college can raise some financial questions.  What if it costs more than you think you can afford?  What kind of financial aid can you receive?  At Center for Advanced Legal Studies, we are committed to helping each paralegal student get all the funding he/she is eligible to receive. 

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Topics: financial aid

It’s a Wonderful Time to Be a Paralegal!

Posted by Katie Fridsma

Nov 26, 2013 3:01:00 PM

By Thomas B. Swanson, J.D.

Let’s take a look back in time…

During most of the history of the practice of law, legal documents were handwritten by skilled paralegals first known as scribes and later as scriveners.  Legal documents during this period were customized, and the quality of the handwriting, in addition to the content, was important.  In other words, legal documents were distinctive, in part, because the handwriting added an artistic quality.  Beginning in about 1900, this was to change in a major way with the introduction of the typewriter.typewriter for paralegals back in time

The typewriter offered not only much greater efficiency with respect to the preparation of legal documents, it also established a much greater uniformity.  The distinctive handwriting of the scrivener gave way to a new consistency in format and a greater focus on content.  The result was no less than a transformation of the practice of law, as well as the role of the paralegal.  The “Perry Mason/Della Street” era in the history of law practice had begun, and the legal secretary became the primary non-lawyer presence in the law office. 

A change in skill-sets…

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Topics: online classes, career, paralegal skills, education and training

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