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A paralegal is a person with legal training and/or knowledge who works under the direct supervision of a lawyer. They are found in all areas where lawyers are — in criminal trials, in real estate, in government, in estate planning. Paralegals and legal document assistants (LDAs) are often mistaken for one another; however, in most jurisdictions, paralegals are not permitted to contract directly with consumers for the preparation of legal documents.

Ilum asked: "I was wondering what education it required to become a legal assistant. And about how much do you earn a year. What exactly does a Legal Assistant do? I understand she/he fills out papers and stuff, but what type of papers and forms?"

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skylar replied: "Ooo I am a legal assistant! :)I did online course for Law Clerk, you can do this at college or night school, but I needed to work as well. It took two years to finish.You fill out and file legal documents(depends on the type of law) I do responses, DFR's, S. 49's, S.48's, these are all labour forms, type letters, open files, do accounts, set up mediation dates, correspondence, file organization.. It can be different depending on the area of law. Real estate and estates are quite unique. I work in Labour Law. This is my second job, I have been at it for over a year and I make 40,000 because of the city I work in. I like it a lot and there is lots of room for me to move up make more and become a clerk instead of assistant.Good luck"

SaJo replied: "There is no specified education that you need to be a legal assitant, some firms will hire people without a degree and some prefer those with a bachelors degree. They will be more concerned with your experience, typing skills, proofreading skills, etc.Legal assistants are ofen assigned to an attorney (or 2 or 3) and they provide all the administrative work for that attorney. This means sending out e-mails, typing briefs, memos, agreements, and other legal documents. They also do a lot of proofreading and make sure that everything sent out in that attorney's name is perfect. You open new matters and make sure that the attorney's files are organized and complete. You sometimes will have to answer that attorney's phone and make appointments for meetings, lunch outings, business trips, etc. The job can be very difficult and also easy becuase it all depends on the attorney's that you end up working for, some are very needy and some are very independant. They can make anywhere from $30-90k depending on what city you are in and what firm you work at (the biggest corporate firms in cities like New York and DC will probably pay the most) and there is lots of opportunity to work up to being a paralegal. Look into intellectual property law and litigation, those are the fields that it seems have the most job openings for legal assistants. You may have to start with another type of position in a law firm and work you way up if you don't have a lot of experience, but there are some firms that are looking for entry level candidates to train. It's a good field to look into! Good Luck!"

V.T.V.RAM replied: ""A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."There is no specific educational requirement in most U.S. states for legal assistants or paralegals. Some paralegals have only on-the-job experience, while some paralegals have completed a two-year course or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. Others have completed a bachelor's or even a master's degree in another field, and quite a few of these people have also completed a regular or post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate.According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for paralegals was $45,460 as of May 2006. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $27,450 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,540"

dolce asked: "I just graduated from college and I have my first "real world" job interview on Friday for a legal assistant position. I own a black suit, is this appropriate? If not, I would appreciate some suggestions. Also, what is an appropriate way to wear my hair? It is permed so it tends to look a little less than polished. Any interview tips you could offer would be greatly appreciated!"

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HelloKitty240 replied: "a black suit is fine. i'd recommend buying a feminine blouse for underneath. the key to professional dressing is looking polished and pulled together without necessarily sacrificing femininity.if you're hair isn't as polished as you like consider pulling it back, or a hair scarf or headband."

Advice_Giver replied: "I'd suggest a Navy skirt suit!Make sure you wear closed shoes and stockings.Also have your hair tied back with some make up! For a polished look.Avoid jangly jewellry...have simple earrings and necklace."

Mrs. Omarion asked: "I am very interested in working at a law firm as a legal secretary, but my question is how much do they make a year compares to an administrative assistant? I also want to know do legal secretaries make more than administrative assistants, and how much do legal assistants make at a law firm? Are legal assistants the same as legal secretaries? I just want to know since I would like to work at a law firm as a legal secretary.I want to know in the United States. I live in Chicago, and I want to know the amount they make and also in Los Angeles, CA since I am looking at moving there in two years."

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beatricearuste@rogers.com replied: "in what country?"

butterflypop0000 replied: "-$35,000-$40,000 a year including bonuses for Legal assistants aka Paralegals. However, it depends on what firm you go for. -No, legal assistants are not the same as legal secretaries. Although, they have similar job functions, except the legal assistant is more involved in researching."

Curious:) asked: "I got a job as legal assistant. Right now I am getting low 30's but how much can I make a year if I continue to do this for 2-3 years? anyone know? anyone with experience as legal assistant or secretary?"

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sunflow replied: "It depends on where you live. My sister lives in Los Angeles and she makes $95,000 a year (not including bonus) as a Senior Paralegal, but she has been on the job for 10 years. I know other paralegals with at least 5 years experience make up to $70,000 but then again that's in Los Angeles and it is based on varied legal experience.I myself used to be a Legal Secretary and I am studying for my Paralegal degree. I am told I can start at $70,000 with my legal background.Below is a link to a salary wizard to determine salary based on your location."

Miss☆R replied: "Legal Assistants/Paralegals can make upwards of $60,000/year. After 2-3 years you can expect to make $40,000 - $48,000/year.Salary varies depending on where you work, private or government sector, and size of firm."

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*maddy* replied: "Yes, a black suit is appropriate because it is professional and what you would most likely wear when your actually on the job.I know there are special shampoos for curled hair (sorry, can't remember the name) but it makes it really easy to curl it into bigger, sleeker curls. Or, you could just pull it half-way back in a classic barret. Just keep it out of your eyes, and you'll be good.Good luck on your interview!"

A replied: "wear the suit, with modest heels in a brighter color (like red, it's eye catching). go easy on the accessories, a few good pieces, thats all. Copy a look out of a catalog if you need help . If your hair is long enough, pull it up into a chignon, or bun, etc. make sure your hands are in nice shape, no bitten nails. look them in the eye, smile. go easy on the makeup, nothing dramatic, keep it demure. beware the number one interviewing question, "So what can you provide that our other applicants cannot? Why should we choose you?" Have a five year plan ready, in case they ask about your plans for the future. Good Luck!!!!"

legalchick791 replied: "Your black suit would be fine. If you don't want to wear your curly hair down, then just pull it back in a bun or pony or even use a hair clip. You'll do fine."

New figures show that over 60% of pupils in London are from a BAME group (78% in Inner London). With this in mind and considering the GLA’s legal statutory duty to assist all ethnic minority groups in London, can the Mayor tell me what is being done to assist the white, British ethnic minority group in London?

If you are interested in paralegal work or legal assisting, you can easily obtain the required skills, degrees or certificates through online colleges that offers related courses

Jeff Voll, Criminal Defense Attorney and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles, California. He offers experienced and aggressive Criminal Defense Representation in all areas of Criminal Law in Los Angeles County Courts.He provides legal assistance to individuals and groups.Jeff Voll, completely dismissed more than 100 criminal cases in one month.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's talent agent has been dragged into a legal battle with a former female assistant - amid accusations of sexual harassment.Heather Devlin claims Todd Shemarya created a hostile work environment by exposing her to internet porn, "parading naked" around her

Washington voters have passed a physician-assisted suicide measure. Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide 11 years ago.

Kathleen 39 legal assistant Albury (hands nÂº 99)

Kathleen 39 legal assistant Albury (eye nÂº 99)

Tim's legal assistant, Tania, at her grad ceremony

Dr. A. Rohan Perera (P.C.) Legal Advisor of the Ministry of Foreign affairs

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