Legal and Paralegal Degree Training Online

Looking inside a law firm people can see more than just lawyers working on a case. Lawyers need help with the overwhelming amount of paperwork and research that needs to be completed for every case. Essential knowledge earned through online programs for legal and paralegal studies supply students with the ability to work alongside lawyers and their clients.

Paralegals and legal assistants handle basic legal services and provide help to clients. The main focus of an individual in this profession is to help lawyers research cases and organize documents. It is standard for a person in this career to be working on multiple cases at a time. Functions inside the workplace include interviewing clients, providing depositions, writing letters, gathering information, assisting attorneys, and preparing briefs. A student may find their place in this field of study if they don't want to become a lawyer or don't have the time to devote to law school. Education in this area will train students to become an indispensable member of the legal community.

Degree training can be acquired with an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree. Continuing education can be earned with a post-associate's or post-bachelor's degree certificate. Graduate degree training is extremely rare, however, some graduate degrees like human resources management include a concentration in legal studies. This degree uses legal studies to further a person's management skill and doesn't focus on traditional legal work. Most employers require a legal assistant or paralegal to have at least an associate's degree. Large and corporate law firms usually require applicants to have a bachelor's degree and a certificate in a specialized area to be considered for employment.

An associate's degree program in paralegal studies trains students in civil litigation, criminal law, and legal research. On average most programs require a student to finish around 90 credit hours to graduate. A central course that may be included in a program will cover eight essential skills to become an effective legal studies professional. These skills are reading, writing, researching, planning, thinking, organizing, interviewing, and communicating. Students study these educational fundamentals in direct connection with practicing legal professionals. Students will also learn about the civil law processes, procedures, and rights inside a civil litigation course. Topics in this type of course include investigation, case management, strategy, and jurisdiction. A degree at this level enables students to step into the workplace as a paralegal or legal assistant.

A bachelor's degree program provides students with a broad liberal arts degree interlocked with specific skills for a career as a paralegal. A student should expect to finish schooling after four years, or when approximately 120 credit hours are completed. Some online colleges have a set time frame for completion; others allow students to work through programs at their own pace. Courses will include introduction to law, algebra, finance, legal research, legal writing, and business law. A legal writing course will teach a student techniques related to their role as a legal assistant. Topics incorporate case briefs, motions, pleadings, and discovery documents. Employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree because it shows them the person they are hiring is dedicated and has been exposed to more legal training. Training in this field provides students with the accepted amount of education to enter this professional industry.

Law Firm Marketing: Attorneys Dominate Local Search

In a recent article on Cliconomics about dominating local searches, a list of the top 33 local search terms was provided. Those running a law firm and engaged in law firm Internet marketing need to take note, as several items on this local search list specifically addressed keywords related to the legal field.

The Top Local Search Terms

The list of 33 top local search terms was compiled using a keyword tool and researching five major US cities to determine what keywords were commonly accompanied by a city modifier. On the list:

· Injury attorney was located at number 10

· Criminal lawyer was located at number 14

· Accident lawyer was located at number 16

· Lawyers was located at number 18

· Attorney was located at number 23.

Of course, this makes perfect sense. After all, if someone injures himself in Cleveland, Ohio, he wants a lawyer that works in Cleveland, and not an attorney who works in Los Angeles, California.

Capitalizing on the Local Search Term Market

While it makes perfect sense that law-related keywords would be among those that are often searched with city modifiers, knowing what to do with this information can be a little less intuitive.

First, you should start by understanding that "local search terms" essentially mean that people are searching specifically to find someone local, and they thus include the where in their search. As Cliconomics puts it, local search terms include What + Where. A search for "divorce lawyer," for example, isn't a local search. A search for "Divorce lawyer Houston Texas" is a local search- and is the kind of search that many potential clients use.

So, to capitalize on the market, you should start first by identifying the right search terms. Cliconomics advises starting by searching just the general term (lawyer, attorney, divorce lawyer, injury lawyer, etc.) in order to find what words people use when they search for a lawyer in your field. After you have a good idea about which keywords to use, search for a big city near you to get additional keyword ideas. Cliconomics even suggests that you should use your old telephone book in order to find out what keywords people use to search for business categories.

Once you have a good idea of keywords, you can then modify them by including the "where." So, divorce attorney would become City + State + Divorce attorney. You could even include your zip code and keywords for surrounding areas as well, according to Cliconomics.

Will This Really Attract Visitors?

Many people are nervous about using keywords required for local search engine optimization because the Google keyword tool typically shows you that there are very few people searching the specific geographical area and keywords you are. For instance, if you live in a small town and you put in your town's name with your practice area, you might find that there are only a few searches a month.

Child Custody Law - Information and Legal Advice

If you are going through a divorce and have children or are involved in a custody battle you probably want to know where you can get custody law information and legal advice to help you with your situation. There are many resources available for obtaining child custody law information legal advice but you need to know where to look. It is also important to distinguish between custody information, law and legal advice. Information is different than law and is not necessarily legal advice. Information is helpful in gaining an understanding of the subject matter and can help you make more informed choices. By being informed about child custody you'll be able to interact better with those involved in your case and have a better understanding of what an attorney is talking about when he/she presents you with legal advice and your legal options based on the facts of your specific case.

There is a ton of custody information online and often many resources available that can help you at your local courthouse and likely in your local area. Most of the information you may come across online, at the courthouse, or via self-help centers are for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Quality information can be extremely helpful in educating you on the topic and help you make more informed decisions.

When seeking child custody law information it is important to note that laws can vary in each state. Also, "legal advice" is something that can only be provided by a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. While the overall best interest of the child is typically the standard for custody determinations in most all states, specific state law information can vary depending on the state you are in. If you are seeking advice tailored to your specific situation and your specific needs you'll want to consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in your state.

Parent's faced with divorce and custody questions or involved a dispute regarding their minor children would benefit from putting in the time to become educated and obtain as much information as possible about child custody law information and legal advice. Being informed and gaining knowledge is one of the best strategies available to you. Parents who spend the time getting educated and learn as much as possible so they can properly line up important and relevant questions for their attorney will generally maximize the time spent with their attorney, experience lower legal fees, and have more positive results.