judgment & analysis
TRANSCRIPT
Judgment & Analysis:A Real Approach for
Real ParalegalsA Presentation for
Richmond Paralegal AssociationMarch 21, 2015
Meet your Facilitator O Owner and Managing Director of
Paralegal Solutions, LLC, a company the supports the education of PARALEGALS through:O CLE Trainings;O Certification-readiness; andO Onboarding services.
O More than 20 years’ experience paralegal → paralegal educator
PARALEGAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Judgment & Analytical Ability
Simple solutions seldom are. It takes a very unusual mind to undertake analysis
of the obvious.-Alfred North Whitehead
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alfrednort165023.html#rrqrhS2i3mo6YPw4.99
Putting it into Perspective
Judgment ↓
Process used to reach a decision
Analysis ↓
process of separating something
into its constituent elements
The Job of a the Modern Paralegal
What does your supervising attorney expect?O Knowledge of the legal system and
the (assigned) substantive and procedural areas of law;
O Skills to complete assigned tasks and provide a professional system of support; and
O Competencies to react professionally within specific situations.
The Knowledge Requirement
O Knowledge = Education + experience
O Need to know:O The foundation of our legal
system; O The structure of the court system
and jurisdiction & venue rules; O The sources of modern law &
where to find “the answers”; andO Alternative resolution options.
Goldman, T.F. & Cheeseman, H.R. (2014). The paralegal professional: the essentials, 4th ed. (Chapter 12: Legal Research)
The Skill RequirementO Finding Answers
O Interviewing & InvestigationO Legal Research
O Thinking CriticallyO Communicating Info(oral &
written)O Organizing Info O Utilizing technologyO Managing the attorney’s daily
practicehttp://www.aafpe.org/About_AAfPE/files/core_comp.pdf (Retrieved 3/12/15)
The Competency Requirement
O Demonstrating understanding of:O Paralegal Profession, Role, &
Workplace;O Ethical Duties & Obligations;
andO UPL and how to avoid it.
O Demonstrating commitment:O To the firm and supervising
attorney; andO Toward managing your own
career.http://www.aafpe.org/About_AAfPE/files/core_comp.pdf (Retrieved 3/12/15)
So, how does all of this work in Real life?
“Rules” for Success for every project assigned:OUnderstand it!OAnalyzing it!OCommunicate
it!
Analyze itO Identify the
question to be answered (Issue).
O Find the answer (Rule).
O Process it (Application).
O Answer the initial question (Conclusion).
So, how does all of this work on NALA’s CP Exam?
O Types of Questions: T/F, multiple-choice, matching, and Essay question.
O Successful test-taker will demonstrate:O Ability to identify relevant facts and main issues; O Ability to apply law to facts;O Ability to analyze issues and form conclusions; andO Ability to organize info and be clear in
communicating results.
O Practical experience is helpful, but not necessary.
O Use the same rules for success!
ConclusionsO Expectations to perform are higher
today than ever.O Modern paralegals are expected to
provide legal judgment and analysis based on knowledge, skills, and competencies.
O Knowledge, skills, and competencies are DEVELOPED over time and with practice!
O Certifications are one way to distinguish yourself in the industry and prove your commitment and your worth.
Paralegal Solutions, LLC
Contact us for all of your training needs!804-230-9015
O www.paralegalsolutionsonline.comO [email protected] www.linkedin.com/company/paralegal-solu
tions-llcO www.twitter.com/PSolutions_RVAO www.facebook.com/ParalegalSolutionsRVA