--For dummies

Includes index

Introduction -- Part 1: A snapshot of the exciting and lucrative paralegal profession -- Chapter 1: Discovering the paralegal profession -- Chapter 2: Membership has its privileges: Paralegal associations and their certification exams -- Chapter 3: The hunt is on: Securing a paralegal position -- Part 2: Important legal concepts every paralegal should know -- Chapter 4: "All Rise": The American judicial system -- Chapter 5: The big three: Categories of law -- Chapter 6: Taking a case to trial: The litigation process -- Chapter 7: How it's done: Important rules of civil procedure and evidence -- Chapter 8: Because I said so: The categories of legal authority -- Chapter 9: The substantive law areas most commonly practiced by paralegals -- Part 3: Putting it into practice: The paralegal in the civil litigation process -- Chapter 10: The paper chase: Preparing documents -- Chapter 11: Elementary my dear Watson: Legal investigation -- Chapter 12: Chewing the fat: Legal interviewing -- Chapter 13: Burning the midnight oil:: Legal research -- Chapter 14: Where the rubber hits the road: Trial performance -- Chapter 15: The official word: Ethical codes for legal professionals -- Part 4: Identifying the skills paralegals need to soar -- Chapter 16: Presenting a clear, concise legal writing style -- Chapter 17: Using technology in law -- Chapter 18: Law office management 101 -- Part 5: The parts of tens -- Chapter 19: The ten most important rules of ethics -- Chapter 20: Ten things every paralegal should know -- Chapter 21: Ten survival tips to thrive in the legal environment

Paralegal Career For Dummies serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring paralegals, providing essential insights into launching and excelling in a legal career. The book covers topics such as choosing the right law firm, obtaining certifications, and networking effectively. It also explains key legal concepts like drafting, research, and interviews. Readers gain access to online resources, including forms, templates, and sample legal documents, while learning about modern tools like AI for document preparation, case summaries, and digital trial notebooks. Updated information on software, certifications, and professional associations ensures relevance. With 40,000 new paralegal positions added annually, this guide helps motivated individuals succeed in this growing field

"Learning made easy"--Cover