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

Various business organizations in the paralegal certificate business law class

 The advantages and disadvantages of the sole proprietorship as part of the paralegal certificate

By Janet Russeth, J.D.
AIPS Paralegal School Instructore

Starting a business or helping someone else start a business can be overwhelming, but that is where a paralegal certificate can help. The Business law class in the paralegal certificate program will teach you the different types of business organizations such as the corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, and sole proprietorship. There are many disadvantages and advantages to each business form so it is important to choose the right one based on the client’s needs and goals.

A sole proprietorship is the most common small business structure. It is a business owned and operated by a single individual. There are many advantages of a sole proprietorship: it is easy to form since there are no state forms to complete, it gives the owner complete control over the business since there are no partners to answer to, it allows the owner to avoid any joint and several liability for the actions of partners since there are no partners and the owner acts alone, and there is also a tax savings since the business’s profits and losses  are treated as the personal profits and losses of the owner which means that the profits of the business are only taxed once and any losses and expenses are deductible.

However, there are disadvantages of a sole proprietorship. Since the owner is alone, he/she is completely responsible for the business and it is hard work and requires long hours to run a business, it also doesn’t have perpetual existence so it terminates upon the death or incapacity of the owner which makes it difficult to pass down to younger generations, finally and most importantly the sole proprietorship creates unlimited personal liability. This means that all of the owner’s personal assets related to the business or not, may be attached to settle the owner’s business debt or any type of personal liability.

There are advantages and disadvantages in forming a sole proprietorship.  Choosing which business entity to form can be one of the most important decisions that your client ever makes and a paralegal certificate can play a key role in deciding which form is best.

To find out more information on the paralegal certificate Business Law class visit:

http://www.youtube.com/AIPSParalegal or the curriculum page of the AIPS website at http://www.aips.com/advanced-courses/course-descriptions/

What are we learning this month at the American Institute for Paralegal Studies paralegal school?

Paralegal school: Why it is important to have a wil

by:  Janet Russeth, J.D.
AIPS Paralegal School Instructor

Paralegal school covers many topics. One of the most important topics affects all of us:  Wills and Estates.  It is so important to have a will and yet many of us do not.  Do you have a will?

When someone dies without a will, they die intestate. The decedent’s property then passes according to the state laws of intestate succession. In general, intestate succession laws determine the identity of heirs, set for the rights of family members, and establish guardianship of minors. Thus, the state law determines the distribution of property to the heirs and it may not necessarily coincide with the decedent’s wishes.

 There are many advantages of having a will.  Some advantages to having a will are: (a) one can select the people who or institutions that will inherit from one’s estate, (b) one can name a guardian for one’s minor children, (c) one can choose who will be the personal representative of his or her estate, and (d) one can leave property to others in trust. Having a will ensures that the testator’s (decedent who died with a will) wishes are carried out as to who inherits what property and who will become guardian of any surviving children.

Although, writing one’s own will can be risky for a layperson because the law of wills is highly technical and differs widely from state to state. Laypeople who write their own wills are often not aware of the many rules that apply to the writing of a will. In addition, they are unfamiliar with the true meaning of some of the terms that are commonly used in wills. They tend to throw in all of the legal mumbo jumbo without really understanding the legal consequences. The money you spend on an attorney is certainly worth it when you are talking about your estate and heirs.

Paralegals working in an Estates practice often help prepare drafts of wills, review drafts of wills with the supervising attorney and client, gather documents upon the testator’s death and track expenses. You can learn more about wills in the Wills and Estates course at the American Institute for Paralegal Studies paralegal school.

To find out more information on the AIPS paralegal school Wills and Estates class, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/AIPSParalegal or the curriculum page of the AIPS website or our advanced course page. 

You need to think outside the paralegal career box!

There is a thought process for everything, including beginning a paralegal career.  If you are new to the paralegal arena, the key is to get your foot in the door.  It doesn’t matter if you have a tiny foot or if you are Bigfoot, you can begin a paralegal career.  How is that done, you ask?  Think outside of the box!  You may not even know how to think “inside the box”. It’s okay.  We’re going to help you.  You, also, have to be willing to begin at the beginning…novel idea, right?  Following are a few thoughts that we hope will help you as you pursue your paralegal career:

Thought #1:  Get your Paralegal Certificate!

Your Paralegal Certificate will add law-related credibility to any law-related skills you have.

AIPS offers paralegal programs that will fit you!  Call us at 800-543-2420.

Light Bulb Thought:  You are a certificated paralegal once you receive your Paralegal Certificate!

Thought #2:  Think outside of the box!  Think “law-related” instead of only “paralegal!

You will find a broader range of available jobs, if you think in “law-related” terms.

A paralegal possesses a specific law-related skill set that can be used in many jobs. 

Thought #3:  Use law-related keywords in your online job searches!

Choose legal as your main keyword, which will bring up law-related jobs.

Choose specific titles, such as paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary, legal receptionist, file clerk, executive assistant, if you want to bring up jobs with those titles.

Light Bulb Thought:  If you have the search options of legal (main keyword), your state, your county and your city, you will bring up more law-related job possibilities.

Thought #4:  Don’t be afraid to apply for entry-level positions!

Look for any law-related position that is in a company, agency or office where you want to work.

Keep your eyes open for receptionist, legal secretary, administrative assistant, file clerk positions…any jobs that help you enter your paralegal career!

Light Bulb Thought:  Be willing to begin at the beginning!!!    

Thought #5:  Where would you like to work?  Begin your search, there!

Look for jobs wherever your interests lie:  sports, education, government, private sector…

Thought #6:  Who do you know?  Network!

Get your feet walkin’ and mouth talkin’!   Don’t keep your plans to yourself.  

 Remember, doors are for opening!

 The next AIPS online paralegal studies program begins on April 23! Call 800-543-2420 or go to www.aips.com!

Can you attend your paralegal school in your pajamas?

Online paralegal school – truly a beautiful concept! 

If your idea of attending a paralegal school is to rush home from work; change your clothes; eat; check email and phone messages; clean the kitty litter box; grab your books; head to the car and scoot off to your classroom in a traditional building, then do we have a surprise for you!  It’s called an online paralegal school!!!!  

Now, consider this…

Come home; change into your comfy cozies; eat; check email and phone message; clean the kitty litter box; grab your computer and go to class.  Now, doesn’t that sound much better?  The awesome thing is that you are able to attend a quality paralegal school from the comfort of your own home!!  More adults are choosing online education because of the flexibility it brings.  It is much easier to maintain busy schedules and commitments when one can receive a quality education with the click of a mouse.  The thought of pursuing educational goals isn’t quite as daunting.  There are some considerations to make, when choosing an online paralegal school.   

Not all online paralegal schools are created equal…

You are researching the American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS), an online paralegal school, which is exactly what you need to do.  We want you to ask questions about our experience, our curriculum, our instructors…about anything that you want to talk about.  We are proud of our online paralegal programs.  You will be prepared to begin your paralegal career, as well as supported after you graduate with opportunities for continued learning and preparation for the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam.  

If, as we mentioned earlier, your idea of education is a traditional one, you need to know that AIPS has an interactive classroom format.  What does that mean?  It means that you will be connecting with your classmates and instructors, on a daily basis.  There are daily discussion requirements, and your participation will be reflected in your grade.  So, if you feel that you will be missing out on the “social” atmosphere of a traditional paralegal school, you will be mistaken.  Students have even been encourages to work together on projects.  

Apply to AIPS…

The United States Distance Learning Association states online education attendance will increase. You, too, can be a part of this growing educational trend.  Apply to AIPS!  Next class session begins April 23!  Call, today, at 800-553-2420.

 http://www.usdla.org/facts-and-figures/

Why are you hesitating to sign up for online paralegal studies?

It’s okay to sign up for online paralegal studies just because you want to! 

Do you find yourself hesitating to sign up for online paralegal studies because…because…well, you don’t really know why you are hesitating, to be honest.  You just can’t seem to make the final decision.  That’s very understandable, particularly if you are changing careers or haven’t been working in a law-related job.  The fact that you keep revisiting the possibility of signing up is an indicator that a paralegal career intrigues you, or that you feel gaining your Paralegal Certificate will help you move upward in your present career.  It doesn’t matter the reason, you are considering online paralegal studies, and that is the key. 

What does a paralegal do?

Before we talk about the American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) online paralegal studies program, let’s talk about what a paralegal does.  You may be wondering, which might be part of your hesitation.  Following is a list of tasks a paralegal employed in a law firm might perform:

• Investigate the facts of a case
• Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles
• Organize and present the information
• Keep information related to cases or transactions in computer databases
• Write reports to help lawyers prepare for trials
• Draft correspondence and other documents, such as contracts and mortgages
• Get affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court
• Help lawyers during trials

There are many other law-related jobs that might interest you, and a myriad of law-related tasks that aren’t on the list.  Research alternative paralegal jobs, if you want to get an idea of what is out there. 

What you will find at AIPS!

Let’s take a few minutes, now, to talk about the AIPS 100% Online Paralegal Certificate Program.   

• Flexible and relevant online paralegal studies programs – You choose the program that works best for you
• Real, interactive classroom – Daily connection with your instructor and classmates
• Taught by real people – Licensed attorneys and practicing paralegals
• Engaging homework and discussions – Yes, discussions, because of our interactive classroom format
• Stellar technical and academic support – Your success is important to us 

The most important reason to apply for online paralegal studies at AIPS!

Because you want to!!!  Your Paralegal Certificate will benefit you!  Go to www.aips.com, today.  We can’t wait to meet you and serve you!

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2

Mediation and Arbitration

What are the differences and role of the paralegal?

We live in a litigious society, or so it seems.  Disputes occur, every day.  A dispute may be in the form of a conflict between spouses, between corporations, between private individuals, etc.  As you can see, dispute possibilities are endless.  As sad as that sounds, let’s focus on the fact that where there is a dispute or a conflict, there is the potential dispute resolution.  That is where mediation and arbitration enter the scene.  Let’s briefly talk about the differences between mediation and arbitration, when they are used, and the role of the paralegal in the process.  

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party intervenes between two disputing parties to come to a mutual agreement, settlement or compromise.  

Mediation is very useful in resolving almost all civil (non-criminal) disputes, including divorces and employment disputes.  The mediator does not make decisions; the disputing parties come to the decisions with the help and guidance of the mediator.  

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a process where an independent and impartial third party considers both sides in a dispute, and makes a decision that resolves the dispute.    

Arbitration is useful in resolving commercial disputes, international commercial disputes, consumer and employment issues, contract disputes, etc.  The decision is legally binding for both sides.  

The Role of the Paralegal in Mediation and Arbitration

A paralegal plays an important role in any area of law, and the same exists in the area of mediation and arbitration.  The following AIPS YouTube video on Mediation and Arbitration, presented by instructor Suzanne Bechard, addresses the paralegal role:  http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Vqe69Q7duFg&list=UUnAP04hFdqDIbDawDpof8lg&index=15&feature=plcp 

Have you considered a paralegal career in the fascinating area of mediation and arbitration?  If you have law-related experience but need the law-related credibility that comes from a Paralegal Certificate, then you need to find a paralegal school that will support you and provide the relevant paralegal education you need.  American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) is an online paralegal school that will do just that!  AIPS has provided paralegal instruction for over 35 years, and online paralegal education for over 15 years.  Our dedicated faculty and staff will support you from orientation through graduation…and beyond.  AIPS has an alumni association that provides continuing education options, as well as a Test Prep Course for the NALA CP Exam. 

Call us, today, at 800-553-2420!  Next class begins April 23!