Shows such as The Practice and How to Get Away With Murder might be inspiring you to become part of the legal world. At some point, you might have considered becoming a lawyer, but you know that it will be a steep road. And you have an idea that things are more serious than you like them to be. Still, you want to become part of this beautiful world of lawyers and judges. The excitement is real, and there is action everywhere. In this regard, you should consider taking a different path: becoming a paralegal.
Paralegals, for starters, are not the secretaries of the attorneys. They are professionals who usually prepare essential documents, such as contracts and briefs. They can also provide general legal information to the audience, which is not considered as a legal consultation. If you want to become a paralegal, you should know first if you are cut out for it. Here are some things to keep in mind:
You excel at interpersonal communication
You might find yourself an excellent extemporaneous speaker. You might love talking to people, and you are always willing to listen to their stories. If you have these qualities, chances are, you are skilled at interpersonal communication. When you are a paralegal, you need to listen to the stories of your clients. But do not just listen. Listen with a sharp ear so that you will not be able to miss a detail, which is vital in defending the client’s case. Likewise, you are expected to talk. You will need to explain certain legal concepts using simple terms.
You have an investigative mind
When you want to pursue a paralegal certificate program, there is a chance that you love solving the mystery. After all, you might be after the excitement in the legal world. A paralegal has an investigative and curious mind, knowing that they are dedicated to helping the attorney resolve the case. Dealing with a case is very much like solving a puzzle, which is why many paralegals are often tasked with talking to witnesses and poring over materials and handouts.
You thrive in a high-pressure environment
The legal office is a high-pressure environment, so it is not for the faint of heart. You will have to thrive in this type of environment to succeed. If you are a person who is okay with working with tight deadlines and long hours, then you should consider getting a paralegal certificate.
You’re good at writing
On top of reading bulks and bulks of handouts and materials, you are expected to extrapolate some salient points and put them into writing. You might have some writing prowess, which will come in handy when you are planning to become a paralegal.
Being a paralegal is a profession that you can pursue if you want to join the legal world without exhausting yourself the way a lawyer does. You will provide valuable services to your attorney, which will help them further their arguments and eventually win the case.
