PLG 101- Ch. 1 A Career as a Paralegal
According to current data, what is the expected trend for paralegal jobs over the next decade?
A healthy increase in employment
Documents that paralegals assist attorneys in preparing include legal correspondences, briefs, memoranda, simple wills, routine contracts, real estate documents, and _____.
Affidavits
During her interview for a paralegal position, Ella was asked about her interest in conducting electronic discovery. To which of the following does this refer?
Capability to review information requested from the court
Which paralegal educational program demands the least amount of credit hours?
Certificate program
In addition to reading comprehension, the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) also tests which of the following?
Critical thinking
Paralegals are required to hold a license in most states
False
Darryl handles duties such as call screening, filing, and calendar management at a private law firm. Which is his role?
Legal secretary
Which communication skill needed by paralegals is referred to as oral comprehension?
Listening
Merlyn invested his own funds in the firm he works with, has a role in the firm's management, and shares in the company's profits. Which describes Merlyn's role at this firm?
Partner
In addition to basic legal understanding, which is a part of the paralegal's skill set?
Performing case management
Paralegals help lawyers use electronic filing systems created by courts to file which of the following?
Pleadings
Which is the largest employer of paralegals?
Private law firms
How does California differ from other states in its oversight of paralegals?
They require paralegals to complete continuing legal education credits.
An attorney "of counsel" is also referred to as _____ counsel.
Special
With a master's in legal studies, paralegals can do which of the following?
Teach in legal studies programs at a college
Which organization offers a core registered paralegal (CRP) designation?
The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
Paralegals can participate in investigations and interviews with clients and witnesses.
True
Ali is an attorney who has passed the bar exam and who has been sworn in to assist a judge. To which does this refer?
judicial clerk
Which educational program option for paralegals traditionally corresponds to three years of intensive course work?
law school
To gain necessary on-the-job experience while she is studying law, Pauline volunteers at a local law firm. Pauline is a _____.
legal intern
Case management software is used by paralegals to _____.
meet filing deadlines
Paralegal communication skills require thorough technical knowledge of _____.
punctuation and grammar
In addition to researching laws and court opinions, paralegals must be able to _____, using public records maintained by agencies other than courts.
research factual information
In addition to proficient writing skills, which other skill do paralegals require when drafting letters and making phone calls to clients?
Ability to tailor communications
Laura is an attorney who has been employed as an associate. What does this mean?
Although she is employed by a firm, Laura does not currently share in its revenue.
Roxanne's four-year degree included an internship at a private law firm. Which type of paralegal degree does this suggest?
Bachelor's degree
Which is considered the most comprehensive undergraduate paralegal education option?
Bachelor's degree
Which describes voluntary certification programs provided by the individual states?
Certification programs for paralegals exist in only a handful of states.
In addition to federal and state laws, paralegals also research _____.
Court opinions
Which paralegal skill specifically involves reviewing information provided through the courts about the opposing party's case?
Electronic discovery
In 1967, the American Bar Association (ABA) legitimized the use of paralegals in law firms by _____.
Endorsing the paralegal profession
What is one of the most common complaints clients make against attorneys and paralegals?
Failure to communicate
A graduate of an ABA-certified program is automatically a certified paralegal.
False
Degree programs for paralegals are unvaried and few.
False
Which describes the ABA's relationship to paralegal certification?
It does not provide certifications, but it approves existing higher education programs
In which way did Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" influence the development of paralegal training?
It provided on-the-job training within the judicial system
Which term refers to both a recent law school graduate who has not passed the law exam and to a person who assists a judge?
Law clerk
Why is a working knowledge of social media and websites useful for paralegals?
Law firms use the internet to market
Which educational opportunity available to paralegals requires a successful score on the LSAT?
Law school
The American Bar Association (ABA) uses the term paralegal interchangeably with _____.
Legal assistant
In the process of assisting attorneys with everyday clerical and legal tasks, paralegal work demands writing and proofreading skills, a working knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and proper _____.
Legal citation method
Frank is a law student who is receiving school course credit for working in a private practice. To which does this refer?
Legal extern
The concept of the trained paralegal was created to fulfill which need?
Making legal services more efficient
Paralegals must possess general skills in communication, computer literacy, research, and _____.
Management
Which organization tests and certifies for certified legal assistant (CLA) and certified paralegal (CP) credentials?
NALA
A paralegal must learn how to use electronic filing systems to file pleadings, to pay applicable filing fees, and to _____.
confirm pleadings were received by the court