Wednesday 31 July 2013

Helpful Information About Joining An Alaska Paralegal Association

By Maryanne Goff


Many people think that lawyers often work alone on their cases; but this is not always true. Many lawyers work closely with qualified professionals called paralegals. Paralegals are trained to assist lawyers with their work load, and some paralegals do the same work as lawyers when it is necessary. Each state has its own set of guidelines overseeing paralegals. If you are an Alaskan resident and are interested in pursuing this career, you should consider looking for an alaska paralegal association near you.

You should start by considering whether the career suits you or not. Paralegals do not need to hold a law degree or pass bar exams as attorneys do, but they must exhibit great skill and competency in legal matters. They must know how to prepare and file legal documents for court, as well as be able to interview clients when necessary. Tight deadlines often make the work very stressful and demanding.

The best place to begin your search for information is the Alaska Association of Paralegals. This organization is responsible for governing the paralegals in that state, and for ensuring that they have the right qualifications and conduct themselves professionally. You will find a wealth of information on their website.

The Alaska Association of Paralegals was founded in 1981 for the purposes of developing and growing the profession in that state. They are governed by a board of directors, which are selected by the members at the annual general meetings. For nearly thirty-three years, this organization has been in existence to support paralegals in Alaska. The organization consists of various committees.

The focus of the association is to support educational growth and professional advancement for its members. The APP also focuses on continuing education and maintaining integrity among all paralegals.

The AAP holds monthly meetings to allow members to hear guest speakers on a variety of topics. Members can also attend an educational seminar on various topics that interest them, such as new developments in the profession. The AAP newsletter is printed quarterly to keep members up to date on the latest news and legal trends.

If joining the AAP interests you, there are different classes of membership that you may qualify for. Full members are professionals currently at work in the industry. They are allowed to vote at meetings. Associate members may not be paralegals, though they may be interested in gaining exposure in the industry; they do have the right to vote at meetings. A student member is someone who is currently studying to enter the profession, and may find the APP a good place for networking and learning.

Joining an alaska paralegal association can be worthwhile if you intend to practice in that state, as doing so will give you a network of support in your career. Whether you are just looking for information, or planning to complete PACE, which is the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, you will find a lot of information on the internet. Ensure that whichever group you choose to join is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, so that you can be sure they are certified.




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