What procedures do most law firms follow regarding the filing system? Why is a filing system important and what type of files are in a typical law firm?
This question was a discussion question and could not find in my book and could not find on the internet. I am studying to be a paralegal, any help would be great.
Files…wow that's really broad.
Pretty much everything you receive you keep.
That includes: Fax receipts, duplicate copies of anything filed with the court, interview notes (really any notes), expenses (individualized by association with clients – paper, hours spent, legal research costs).
Generally things are kept in binders. A client can have anywhere from 1 – 12 different binders. It's usually up to the attorney to decide what goes in them. Ours go like this:
Client intake binder (pretty much all correspondences with the client – interview notes, initial investigation/incident report, med rec. disclosure consent forms, fee-schedule agreement, representation agreement)
Medical Records (self-explanatory)
Litigation Binders (there can be a lot of these, Discovery from plaintiff, Discovery from defendant, Motions, response to motions, witness lists, witness correspondences, orders, motions in limine)…
Research Binder (all legal research divided by issue)
Deposition folder (all transcripts of depos)
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Filing's important because you can get sued if you don't organize. Also it's important for efficiency; this is why some firms have research and drafting banks. So when you come across the same research issue or item to be drafted you can just look it up in your own files instead of paying to search for it or see what a document should look like.
It's also important because you can get into client conflicts of interest if you don't remember who you've represented in the past and why.
-Phew-
Good luck in your discussion.
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I am interested in becoming certified as a paralegal, I already have a BA… how much more school do I need? Some sites say 15 hours (hours? or units) some say you need an AA. Help?
I am making the career change to paralegal. I have done a lot of research and this is what I am doing:
I have enrolled in an ABA-approved course at my community college. It will take about 2 years to finish going part-time. This is strictly a paralegal certificate. I had to have a BA to get into the program. The school also has an AA, where you take the same paralegal courses combined with the standard general ed courses. Since I have the BA, I can just take the paralegal courses and 2 computer courses that the program requires.
You should definitely look into something like this. There are several programs in my area, but this was the only ABA-approved one. I have read that this is the most desirable course because many employers like the approval. Plus, you know you are getting a solid education. You don't have to have an approved course, but from what I have read, it is often required or preferred.
My program is 30 credits plus an internship. I don't think 15 hours sounds right! When you see ads for paralegal jobs, you will see them asking for:
experience in a law office or
the AA or
a BA plus the certificate
It really depends on the employer. I will warn you though, every one of these ads wants experience. So, I am trying to find some kind of entry-level job in a law office while I go to school. More than likely, I will have to start out at the bottom if I get a job like this or if I don't get a job in the field-when I graduate I will have to start the same way. So, just know that. I was a bit wary, but I think my school has some good contacts.
Watch the costs, too. I know of 2 schools near me who are charging about $13-14,000, while my program is less than $5,000. And my program is approved and those are not. You have to make sure you are getting into a school that will provide you with the right courses. There are no online ones that are approved, either-I think there are some programs where you can go online part of the time, but you still have to go to the school. Try to research the different ones in your state. You will find them at community colleges, state colleges, technical schools. There are a lot!
Good luck!
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I’m planning on applying for law school, but I really have no experience in law. I have a biotech background. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to become a paralegal first. If not, what would be a good activity to undertake to help in the application to law school?
Legal experience is always beneficial in applying for a law degree. But the legal experience won’t be the predominant factor in determining whether you gain entry into law school. I have applied to several law schools in the past, but was unsuccessful due to poor results in the law school admission test. As a result, I have completed a foreign law degree from the UK. I have to pass certain equivalency exams when getting my law degree accredited into the canadian legal system. I am presently doing a 1 year masters in law. The following year, I plan on gaining legal experience through a lawyer, or alternatively work as a paralegal.
Here’s my approach: First, you need a good result on the LSAT predominately with a solid undergraduate GPA score. Secondly, if you can’t gain admission into law school because of LSAT or GPA scores, then apply to a foreign law school that is either known in a common or civil law country. For example, foreign law degrees from the UK and Australia are recognizable in Canada because the required law degree is from a common law country. Thirdly, no matter the circumstance, continue to gain legal experience as a paralegal or offer your services in a law firm.
Keep working hard and remain focused on achieving your goal. Good Luck!
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I am attending Kaplan University and am completing my associates as a paralegal. If anyone knows would it hold me back from getting a good job by having an online only degree?
As long as its an accredited institution it makes no difference. I am going to college also and I would say that 95% of my classes so far have been internet classes, any degree I earn isn't going to tell my prospective employer if it was long distance education or in the class room its just going to indicate that I passed and earned my degree. Honestly thats all employers care about, that you have that certificate.
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In april i should be receiving my associates in paralegal Studies from Edison State college in Florida. Being form New York I want to return there. I want to get my B.A. in New york But i don't know in what field i just need to know what schools i should be looking at.
I actually know where Edison State College is. My uncle use to live around there, lol. The top schools are NYU and Columbia, but of course it cost lots of $$$$ and brains. Stony Brook University in Long Island may be a good choice for you. Fordham is in the Bronx and is a great school, but not as hard as NYU or Columbia. They're so many school's in NY, and would suggest using College Board and Princeton Review to help you. Suny Purchase is also a great school, and had my cousin go there. Good Luck!
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I already know it's accredited and I want to find out more about the school. I am interested in taking the online program for a B.S. in paralegal studies and I want to find out how the online classes are and whether or not it's a good school. I only want to read opinions of students who are currently enrolled or have completed a program with the university.
that what i wanted to enroll for too! the only drawback is that for that particular program there are four 11week classes that you have to take at a school physically. I can't do that from where i live.
Did you know that the classes are five and a half weeks? The textbooks are expensive and right now I'm actually trying to find another university online. I already did Kaplan and they are expensive, but their legal studies program is good. i didn't stay there because my former job messed with my academic attendance.
I'm doing information technology at South but lately after only two weeks I'm second guessing the choice that i made.
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