If only you could create your own paralegal school!

What do you want in a paralegal school? 

How would you create a paralegal school?  If you were in charge of pulling together the best and most important paralegal program features, which would you choose?  Many adults, like you, are researching paralegal schools from a very personal viewpoint.  They have specific needs and would like their continuing education experience to meet those needs.  Let’s say, for the sake of this article, that you could custom make a paralegal school.  What would you want to find? 

Thankfully, you don’t have to create your own program.  AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Program has been developed with you in mind.  Check out the following list.  Place the topics in the order that works for you. 

 Convenience

Attend class from the comfort of home!   AIPS classes are open 24/7! 

Relevant Curriculum

Learn the paralegal skill set.  AIPS paralegal school is real life!  You learn what you need to know!

Interactive Online Format

Connect with fellow students and instructors, daily!!  Interaction is required.  Sorry, sitting at the back of the class is not allowed! 

Technical Support

Tech support = peace of mind.  Students need to know that technical issues will be addressed in a timely fashion.  AIPS provides award-winning-level tech support.

Online Instruction Experience

AIPS has been a paralegal school for a long time, and has been teaching online paralegal programs for over 15 years.

Paralegal Programs

You choose the AIPS paralegal program that works the best for you.  Do you want to take your time; specialization; or, do you want an accelerated program?  It’s your choice!

Affordability

AIPS is affordable!  You are spending money on specific classes that fit a specific skill set. 

Alumni Association

AIPS provides CLE opportunities for grads.

If this fits you, call 800-553-2420!

http://www.elearners.com/guide/why-online-education/why-consider-online-education/

Daydreaming, Soul Searching and Paralegal Career Goal Setting

How to facilitate your paralegal career visions!

Hmmm…visions of a paralegal career.  Do you find yourself, chin in hand, thinking about what you want to be when you grow up?  Never mind the fact that you have spent over 20 years in the workforce.  You just know that there is untapped potential inside of you.  You may even feel a bit career stagnant.  If you have been considering a paralegal career, but don’t know where to begin, you have come to the right place!  

You don’t need to start at the VERY beginning…

You have skills, right now!  They are called transferable skills.  Value them.  Highlight them.   They, combined with paralegal skills, are like gold!  Make them shine!  Revamp your resume and cover letter to highlight skills that a law-related employer would like to see.  As you know, the job posting is going to give you a list of desired qualifications.  See how many match up with your skills and experience. 

Begin where you are…

You may be able to begin a paralegal career right where you are.  It would be an optimal choice to find a law-related position within your area of expertise.  Is there a legal department associated with your organization?  Is your corporate headquarters nearby?  Is there a compliance or risk management department?  There are law-related pieces to any organizational puzzle.  You just need to know where to look for them.  Do some paralegal career sleuthing.  You may find something that you like. 

Listen to your gut…

When you have your daydreaming sessions, where do your thoughts fall time and time again?  There is a reason for that.  You might have to dissect those thoughts a bit; however, don’t you agree that your passions act as catalysts for those amazing goals you make?  At this point in time, you are considering a paralegal career.  So, what is the next step?

 Receive your Paralegal Certificate!

If a paralegal career…or law-related job…sounds exciting to you, then you need the credential that will add law-related credibility to your existing skills.  Your Paralegal Certificate will show potential employers, or your existing employer, that you are willing to take the necessary step to set yourself up!  American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) will help you with that.  

Keep dreaming…but start moving!

As amazing as daydreaming is, you must move toward your goal of beginning a paralegal career.  Apply, today!

http://www.paralegal-work.net/

Great Paralegal Career News

What you need to know about a paralegal career! 

Is a paralegal career in your future?  Before you consult a crystal ball, let’s look at some statistics about the paralegal/legal assistant career area.  If you are in the beginning stages of paralegal career research, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the paralegal job outlook is strong.  Who says?  Well, several sources, such as Money.com and Lexis-Nexis, are saying that things are looking good for paralegals.  

Good News/Bad News?

Are there any downsides to such good news?  Well, if there is, it would be that many folks may want to get into a paralegal career, which means the field of applicants might increase.   That’s not a bad thing, but you will want to make sure that you are a competitive applicant.  How can you increase your chances of entering a paralegal career?  Here are some tips:

• Get your Paralegal Certificate – Gain the necessary knowledge and understanding you need
• Refresh your resume – Showcase transferrable skills that fit with a paralegal career
• Network – You never know what might open up to you, or how a referral might benefit you
• Check out the job market – Search online job search engines for available jobs in your area

 Set yourself up!

It is totally within your power to connect with a paralegal school where you can learn the paralegal skill set that is so important.  In fact, connect with the AIPS 100% online paralegal school, and you will receive the education you need and desire, as well as the ability to learn from the comfort of your own home.  Can’t beat that!! 

What about the AIPS paralegal programs?

Here are some things you need to know about our respected paralegal programs:

• AIPS is affordable and convenient
• Classes start monthly – not every quarter, semester or year
• Classes provide a real-world perspective – only comprehensive legal courses taught
• You choose the program that fits – 8 and 12 month programs or 4 and 6 month accelerated programs
• We have been teaching online paralegal studies programs for over 15 years
• We have stellar technical and academic support
• AIPS provides continuing education opportunities for graduates, as well as a national certification test prep course.  

What next?

Invest in yourself!  Stretch your mind and your career horizons!  Sign up for the next AIPS class, which is May 21!  Pursue your dream of beginning a paralegal career. 

http://law.lexisnexis.com/communityportal/articles/articles.aspx?g=QfsTyLJ1USs=&c=PwxHBJCs5QM=&a=TWu7qSnDRM8=

Identify the top skills you can add to your paralegal skills.

What skills can you combine with your paralegal skills to help your job search? 

Paralegal skills are key in landing the law-related job you are applying for.  But, what additional skills do you have…or do you need…to look really good to the interviewer and potential employer?  Most probably, you have additional skills that employers desire in their employees.  It is important to know how to identify them and how to communicate them to the individual that is interviewing you.  Let’s chat about some of the top skills that employers look for.  We are going to put an asterisk * beside the skills that are paralegal skills. 

*Communication – Listening, Verbal and Written

You may have the most incredible skill set in the world; however, if you cannot communicate them, you are in trouble.  Developing and practicing these skills will help you.  Defining and refining these will make your paralegal skills shine.

*Analytical and Research

Looking at the broad picture is great, but can you identify key points?  Sometimes, you may need more information to address an issue or facilitate a plan.  How to search for specific information is a critical skill to possess.  Research and analysis are two of the main paralegal skills used. 

*Computer and Technical

Can you think of a career that doesn’t utilize computer or technical skills?  We can’t either.  It is critical for an employee to know how to use a computer, and to continue to learn and become proficient in the applications that are specific to a career area.  Find out what applications are used in the office where you want to work; and, take classes, if necessary, to add these computer skills to your paralegal skills.  

*Organizational

You are given a project and you need to figure out a plan to facilitate the project.  How do you get from Point A to Point Z?  You put together the plan piece by piece, using the tasks and knowledge you possess to get things done in a timely fashion. 

As you can see, some of the top skills that are valued by potential employers are paralegal skills.  The following article lists additional top skills that will help you in your job search.  Learn how to communicate them on your resume and in an interview.  

Become a paralegal!  If you possess these paralegtal skills but you are not a paralegal, AIPS can help with that.  Click here to find how!

http://www.quintcareers.com/job_skills_values.html

Can Summer Vacation and Online Paralegal Studies Co-exist?

Online Paralegal Studies Just a Mouse-click Away! 

Online paralegal studies!  The thought excites you; however, thoughts of sun, sand, boating, camping, traveling…whatever your idea of vacation is…are also pumping you up!  You are seriously considering taking the AIPS online paralegal studies program, but you aren’t sure if you will be able to do both…vacation and study.  You are certain that attending a traditional classroom is out of the picture; however, you aren’t sure if online paralegal programs are as convenient as advertised.  The AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Studies programs will go wherever you go; will work into your vacation plans; and, will allow you to move toward your important career goals.  You don’t have to take a vacation from your studies to have some summer fun.  Listen to this! 

If you can connect to the internet, you can connect to your AIPS classroom!

The AIPS online paralegal studies program is very user friendly. If you do not own a laptop, consider purchasing one.  The flexibility of being able to take your classroom with you is amazing!!  Everything is at your fingertips.  

Let your instructor know of your vacation plans!

Communication is the key!  Let your instructor know when you plan to go on vacation, and you can develop a plan for submitting homework.  You may be able to turn homework in early or later.  You will be able to keep up with the Discussion Question (DQ), which is one of the most important exercises in the AIPS interactive online paralegal studies format.  You can take your laptop with you to the beach and log on to AIPS; respond to classmates’ DQ; check for the instructor’s additional DQ; or, work on any other homework you feel to work on.  Doesn’t that sound perfect?! 

AIPS tech support travels with you…remotely, of course. 

You may be concerned with technical issues that may arise, while on vacation.  You can contact AIPS tech support staff from wherever you are…via telephone or internet.  It might be a good idea to jot down AIPS staff numbers, in case you run into some technical issues.  As always, you will receive tech support as immediately as humanly possible.

Don’t wait!  Sign up for class, now!

You do not need to take a break from online paralegal studies just because of vacation plans. Next class begins May 21!  Sign up, today!

http://www.elearners.com/projectworkingmom/resources/be-an-online-student/how-to-choose-a-pc-or-laptop-for-online-learning/

May Career Goal Check>Paralegal Training Online

Have you checked paralegal training online off your resolution list? 

It’s May and the flowers are blooming, but have you crossed paralegal training online off of the resolution list you drafted when it was snowing?  We at AIPS believe you put paralegal studies on the list for a reason.  You want to move toward your Paralegal Certificate and a career in a law-related career, where you can use your paralegal skill set.  There are such huge benefits in continuing your education…there are no downsides.  Continuing education provides relevant career information and knowledge.  Information and knowledge is empowering.  Empowerment brings confidence, which translates into excitement to move toward career goals. 

Be your own advocate

Are we wrong in assuming that you are considering paralegal training online because you are looking to advance in your career, or would like to begin a new career?   No matter the reason, you are interested in checking into a paralegal career and are reading this, right now.  We believe your time is precious, and we want to validate your thought process.  Take charge of your career and advocate for yourself.  

Gain the credential that will set you apart

The Paralegal Certificate is the credential you will receive upon graduation from the American Institute for Paralegal Studies.  It is the credential that, often, is required or recommended in paralegal job postings.  Set yourself apart from other applicants by taking paralegal training online prior to searching for law-related jobs.  That way, you have an edge over those who do not have their Paralegal Certificate. 

Paralegal training online will benefit you

There are many ways to use paralegal training online.  A paralegal can be employed in many law-related jobs.  There are legal departments, or law-related positions, in almost every business.  Let’s say that you work in the human resources or personnel department of your office.  You deal with Employment Law every day.  You may work for an electronics corporation, such as Microsoft.  These corporations deal with Intellectual Property, all of the time.  If you work in city, county, state or federal government, you will find legal department or agencies that employ paralegals.  The court systems (municipal, district, superior, etc.) hire paralegals because almost every position is a law-related position.  As you can see, paralegal training online can benefit almost any career. 

Never too late to meet career goals!

AIPS courses begin, monthly!    Choose continYOUed education, today!

http://www.nssb.org/the-benefits-of-continuing-education-over-time.htm

 AIPS Online Paralegal Studies: Relevant and Rewarding

A Graduate’s Perspective on Paralegal Studies Program 

The words of our graduates regarding the AIPS paralegal studies programs are worth gold to us.  Those of you who are researching paralegal programs should view these words in the same way.  We can tell you about the affordability, the flexibility, the time-saving online format or our interactive paralegal class format; however, the words of those who have gone through the program deliver the clearest and most relevant critique of our paralegal studies programs. 

The goal of any institution of higher education is to prepare its students and graduates for their career choice.  When that truly happens, as indicated by the following graduate’s letter, it reinforces our commitment to provide the best paralegal studies education we can provide.  Listen to the heart-felt words of this graduate to John Shaheen, the AIPS Course Facilitator: 

John, 

It has been quite some time since we have spoken.  I was a student of AIPS and graduated in June of 2005, the same time my oldest son was graduating from HS and leaving for the Air Force Academy.  It was a time of huge transition for me and I was glad to have three offers within two days and all within a month of finishing classes at AIPS.  While I really enjoyed my classes, I have enjoyed my new career even more and the opportunities my training was able qualify me for.  I was thrilled that I was able to re-join the work force at a salary that commensurate to my previous earnings.  In addition, I feel the excellent foundation that I was able to obtain from AIPS well prepared me for success at my current position and have been well rewarded by a salary that has much more than doubled in the almost 7 years I have been there.    

I just wanted to let you know what a top-notch program I think you have and thank you for providing me with everything I needed to be well prepared for my new career.  I know I could never have achieved this level of success without AIPS.  

Thanks again,

Patty A.

June 2005 Graduate 

If you are interested in a paralegal career, and if you are looking for an experienced online paralegal studies program, look no further.  AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Certificate Program is committed to your success as a student and as a paralegal!  Go to www.aips.com, today to apply!

Career Change in your Future – Consider a Paralegal Career

How much do you know about the paralegal career area? 

Could a switch to a paralegal career be in your career change plans?  Career change thoughts can come at any point in our career.  These thoughts are normal and can be used to facilitate subtle change to a stagnant career, or drastic change to a completely different career.  If you are reading this, right now, you may be interested in a paralegal career; but, you might not know enough about the paralegal career area to make an informed decision.  American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) would love to help you in your career choice, and in understanding the paralegal career area. 

What is a paralegal?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines a paralegal or legal assistant as individuals who perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.  

Where can a paralegal work?

A paralegal can work in any office or organization where law-related issues are addressed and law-related tasks are performed. 

• Law Firms
• City, County, State and Federal Government
• City, County, State and Federal Court Systems
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Private Corporations
• Colleges and Universities
• Legal Aid Clinics 

What is the outlook for a job as a paralegal?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal career industry is expected to grow by 18% from 2010 to 2020.  Paralegals are expected to be hired to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of legal services provided to clients. 

What is the median pay range for a paralegal career?

The median range is around $47,000.  Of course, years of experience and job qualifications are the indicators of where a paralegal will land on the paralegal  pay scale. 

How to prepare for a career as a paralegal?

 Apply to the AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Certificate Program – choose the program that fits the best

Upon graduation from the AIPS, you will have your Paralegal Certificate and a paralegal skill set

If you choose to sit for the NALA CP Exam, AIPS will prepare you with the CP Text Prep Class

Apply for law-related jobs, because the paralegal skill set can be used in any law-related position 

Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics website http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-1 for more information about a paralegal career.  If you are serious about a career change, take a serious look at this amazing career area!

Paralegal Courses Online – Sublime!!

Less stress with AIPS paralegal courses online! 

We want to be the best we can in our career field, and paralegal courses online help paralegals do just that!  Quality, relevant and challenging online courses just may be the catalyst your law-related career needs.  Continuing education is always going to be a positive.  The ability to continue your education by attending online courses makes the whole process easier.  The courses are still challenging, your time still must be managed; however, taking paralegal courses online…in the comfort of your own home…is so much less stressful.  American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) is a respected institution and has been training paralegals for many years.  

No Need to Travel

Come home from a busy day at work or community commitments and connect with AIPS from the comfort of your home.

Courses Designed for Working Adults

AIPS understands the demands on busy working adults.  Time is precious.  AIPS also understands that working adults have goals and dreams that should be facilitated.  Our paralegal courses online have been designed with you in mind, so you can continue your education and maintain your life commitments.  

Attend Class When You Want to or Need to

You can choose to attend class at the time of day that works best for you.  The AIPS paralegal courses online will tell you all that is expected of you.  It isn’t a work-at-your-own-pace format; however, you can complete your daily homework whenever you want…as long as you meet the class deadlines.  Figure out a routine that works the best for your schedule.

Interact with Your Classmates and Instructor

AIPS course format is interactive, which means that you will connect with your classmates and instructor on a daily basis.   If you feel that paralegal courses online lack social contact, you need to know that our interactive classroom format is designed for connection with classmates, who come from across the country and around the world. 

AIPS Classes Begin Monthly

Choose the month you want to begin AIPS paralegal courses online, and begin.  You do not need to
wait until the next quarter or semester!  

Choose Your AIPS Program

AIPS has several program options to choose from.  If spreading out your studies works the best for you, you can choose that option.  If you want a more accelerated approach, you can choose that option.  You have control. 

Apply for classes, today, at www.aips.com!

http://www.aips.com/aips-interactive-online-paralegal-school-2/

Distance Learning and the Evolution of Adult Learning

Has distance learning become the traditional choice for the adult learner? 

Distance learning used to be a non-traditional choice for adults who want to continue their education.  That has changed dramatically!  Tracking trends in adult learning is fascinating; and, what used to be considered traditional may not be the “traditional” choice any longer.  If you are a working adult whose goal is to go back to school to receive your Paralegal Certificate, you do not have to leave home to accomplish that goal.  In addition, you are among many adult learners who are choosing online learning as their educational vehicle.  Why are busy adults making this choice? 

Flexibility

Busy-ness seems to be in epidemic proportions!  Adults are busy at work, busy at home, busy at play…just plain busy!!  Many working adults also have families to care for, which adds more to the daily commitment list.  The flexibility of distance learning is a beautiful thing, and is the only way for some adults to continue their education. 

Affordability

The cost of college tuition has skyrocketed.  In addition to tuition, the cost for books and for travel to and from a traditional building makes continued education prohibitive and very expensive for some adults.  Distance learning programs are often more cost effective because the student doesn’t have to leave home to attend class. 

Accessibility

Some adults have disabilities, which makes distance learning a perfect choice for them.  Other adults do not live in close proximity to a traditional college or university; so, the possibility of continuing education is not realistic.  Online learning offers every adult who has access to the internet the opportunity to move toward educational goals.  

Course Selection

What do you do, if the local college or university doesn’t have the course selection that you desire?  Let’s say you want to receive your Paralegal Certificate and the college closest to you doesn’t have a paralegal program.  Distance learning programs, such as the AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Certificate Program, is the perfect choice for you.  Online learning provides the opportunity to sign up for programs that you are interested in. 

Adult learning has evolved.  No question about it.  Distance learning programs will continue to be in high demand for adults, particularly working adults, who need flexible learning opportunities.  

American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) has over 15 years of teaching online programs.  Call us at 800-553-2420! 

 http://www.educationdynamics.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=119845f5-ed25-4597-a32e-9761e930d300