How to Become a Paralegal in Arizona
Becoming a paralegal in the State of Arizona is not the same as becoming an Arizona Licensed Document Preparer. A paralegal works under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney, while a LDP works independently, without the oversight of an attorney. There are no technical training or educational requirements that need to be completed prior to becoming a paralegal in Arizona. However, obtaining paralegal training will make your job easier and make you more marketable.
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Instructions
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Learn as much as you can about the paralegal profession and what the work entails. Paralegals provide a wide range of services to attorneys, including but not limited to legal document preparation, research, setting appointments, deposition summaries and initial intakes with new clients. It's a difficult job, but it can be very rewarding at the same time.
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Take a paralegal course to learn the basics of legal document preparation and formatting. This will help make you marketable to prospective employers and give you a head start on what you will need to know. This is not a requirement to become a paralegal in Arizona, but it is a good idea. A link to several paralegal programs is included under Resources, below.
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Apply for a position with an attorney's office that is looking for a paralegal or legal assistant. Be sure to be honest about your level of knowledge and experience at your interview, to ensure that you will be a good fit. Once you are hired and are working under the direct supervision of an attorney, you will be an Arizona paralegal.
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Tips & Warnings
It may be beneficial to become an Arizona Legal Document Preparer (AZLDP) before seeking employment with an attorney.
A paralegal must be employed by an attorney in order to prepare legal documents.
A paralegal is forbidden from providing any type of legal advice.
References
Resources
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