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!
Understand it
O Gather and sort the facts.
O Identify the info gaps.
O Identify the info conflicts.
Analyze itO Identify the
question to be answered (Issue).
O Find the answer (Rule).
O Process it (Application).
O Answer the initial question (Conclusion).
Communicate itO Know your
audience.O Utilize the
appropriate form of communication.
Time to Practice
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!
Q&A
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