Professionalism is more than dressing well and a profession is more than a group of people engaged in the same career. This book takes a comprehensive approach to paralegal professionalism and the paralegal professional, discussing topics such as establishing a professional identity, regulation, certification and licensing, paralegal associations, paralegals from the perspective of the courts, paralegal utilization, paralegal professionalism, paralegal practice outside the United States, and paralegal education. "This important book addresses issues that either are or should be at the forefront of every discussion of the paralegal professional today. Paralegals are beginning to acknowledge the heights they have attained, but they have lacked a major scholarly treatise that has examined the profession in a systematic and insightful way. This book provides that scholarly examination. Beginning with a thoughtful overview of professional identity and all its elements, the book then goes on to examine each element of that identity -- education, regulation, professional ethics and the attorney/paralegal relationship, and utilization -- in academic detail. This framework echoes the issues that define the profession as a whole today. Thus, it is likely that this book will provide the intellectual framework for the discussions that will take place throughout the professional sphere." -- Toni Marsh, Esquire, Director, George Washington University Paralegal Studies Programs "This anthology delivers on the title's promise: it is a thought-provoking compilation of issues facing paralegals today and a challenge to individual paralegals to embody professionalism as the profession itself grows and develops." -- Kristine M. Hill, ACP, FRP, Advanced Certified Paralegal, Pensacola, Florida "The Empowered Paralegal Professional Anthology approaches the inherent questions posed to the modern day paralegal in terms of where we have been, who we are, and where we go from here. There is such a diverse background, with regard to education and preparation, in the field that it is refreshing to see a guide that incorporates a historical context, as well as future goals of the profession. It is so very important to understand the value of personal identity in terms of professionalism and ethics, which is crucial, or should I say integral, to how the legal community and the general public view the paralegal or legal assistant. I would highly recommend this book to all presently in the paralegal profession, as well as those interested in pursuing a paralegal career." -- Toylaine Hayman Spencer, Environmental Paralegal, Houston, Texas

For courses in Paralegal Studies. Build a strong foundation in Paralegal Studies Since the publication of the First Edition of The Paralegal Professional, the paralegal profession plays an increasingly more important role in the delivery of legal services. The Paralegal Professional provides students with the conceptual knowledge, analytical skills, and firm understanding of ethical issues they need to succeed as paralegals in today's legal environment. The book is shaped by insights of real legal professionals with whom paralegals work to offer relevant information for use in the workplace. The text illuminates specific tasks and roles paralegals will play in the workplace to fully prepare them to enter the field. The Fifth Edition builds a foundation of knowledge which students can augment as they work towards a profession in the field of law.

The Professional Paralegal presents a comprehensive and pragmatic overview of today s legal system and the diverse role of the contemporary paralegal. The innovative use of profiles and experiences of professional paralegals woven throughout the text provide personal and motivating insight while introducing practical tools, substantive issues, and the all-important consideration of ethics. This textbook presents information in a manner easily accessed by students and offers many opportunities for discussion, research, and review. Key Features: Offers a down-to-earth approach to the law, the legal profession, and the paralegal s important role in the delivery of legal services. Blends both legal theory and practice together and updates important changes in the law and new approaches to legal practice in a variety of settings. Offers solid guidance on seeking legal employment and working well within the law office. For future paralegals working in private practice, government offices, or even as freelance professionals, this new edition also offers a fresh perspective on issues such as the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and other issues unique to the professional paralegal.

Adopted at more than 150 schools in the Third Edition, FUNDAMENTALS OF PARALEGALISM offers the most effective & complete overview of paralegalism available. In this edition, noted paralegal teacher & former AAFPE president Thomas Eimermann has brought his comprehensive text to a new level of excellence. You'll find this book flexible enough to address topics in any order, & your students will get the wide range of coverage they need, including: Three parts covering Introduction to the Profession, The American Legal System, & Paralegal Skills Focus on professionalism, with an expanded description of what paralegals do & first-person accounts from working paralegals Coverage of regulation of paralegals, including the California Legal Technician controversy A helpful section on searching for a job & interviewing. Students learn easily from Eimermann's chapter summaries, key terms, questions for review & discussion, & projects. And you'll appreciate the accompanying Instructor's Resource Guide, which contains answers to every question in the book, a Test Bank for each chapter, an Instructor's Bibliography, & Transparency Masters.

"College-level textbook on ethics and professional responsibility"--

An engaging and practical introduction to the paralegal profession. Written by an award-winning author team, The Paralegal Professional,Essentials 4e provides a solid foundation in substantive and procedural legal knowledge and analytical skills. Using chapter opening vignettes, ethical perspectives, advice from the field, and chapter exercises, it develops the real-world skills needed to be successful in a paralegal career. The text brings paralegal practice alive and illuminates the roles and tasks paralegals assume in the legal working environment. MyLegalStudiesLab Virtual Law Office Experience The new Fourth Edition of The Paralegal Professional is accompanied by MyLegalStudiesLab Virtual Law Office Experience, including groundbreaking, interactive guided learning tools and media, and a robust course management and assessment program. MyLegalStudiesLab gives students the opportunity to test themselves on key concepts from their textbook, learn how to apply the concepts to real-life scenarios, and practice the skills they have learned through a Virtual Law Office Experience.