Behind the Bar: Inside the Paralegal Profession [Paperback]

Catherine Astl (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0595301002 | ISBN-13: 978-0595301003 | Publication Date: November 26, 2003

What is it really like to work as a paralegal?Will I like working for a law firm and lawyers?What, exactly, does a paralegal do?And what does "assist lawyers" truly mean?Can you tell me about some real-life experiences?Which area of law is right for my personality?Lots of books tell me to, "be organized," but can you give me real specifics?How can I stand out from the rest and be excellent at this career?The answers to these questions, in depth and straight from the inside, are finally here.Reading like a novel, readers are truly transported "Behind the Bar"--deep inside the field of paralegalism and into the author's own career, woven with useful tips and information. The book discusses the history and future of the profession, education requirements, the work of paralegals in different areas of law, the author's actual experiences and useful resources for the reader. The author also outlines qualities personified and sought after in legal assistants and what readers can do to achieve the same level of distinction.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A Certified Legal Assistant for 12 years, Tampa, Florida based Catherine Astl has much experience to impart. In June of 1992, she earned an Associate in Science Degree in Legal Assisting from Hillsborough Community College. Catherine?s articles have appeared in Legal Assistant Today and The National Paralegal Reporter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (November 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595301002
• ISBN-13: 978-0595301003
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #961,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REAL World Paralegalism!!!, December 22, 2003

By 

"searchingallovr" (Tampa, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the Bar: Inside the Paralegal Profession (Paperback)

A real world "no-holds-barred" look at the paralegal profession. Working for an attorney and/or a law firm is a unque experience in itself and the author has drawn on her life experiences and captured the humor, the drama, the rewards and the disappointments of being a paralegal. Anyone considering becoming a paralegal, or for those who are just beginning in the profession this book contains a wealth of practical knowledge and pointers not to mention a preview of what to expect in the world "behind the bar" as a legal assistant. A recommended read to ALL paralegals or those who want to be!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Groundbreaking, January 6, 2006

By 

JRoyt "Jeff" (Ft. Worth Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the Bar: Inside the Paralegal Profession (Paperback)

From a male perspective, and a paralegal student, this book was groundbreaking. I read the reviews and they were great (except for the one "mostly dissapointed". They obviously didn't "get" the book--the whole purpose was to show that being a paralegal is NOT mediocre! Would you want your doctor, accountant or lawyer to "just do the job well enough?" and to just "get by with getting the work done" instead of done WELL? I don't think so! (I only hope that person NEVER becomes a paralegal.) Anyway, I felt this book was just what the cover said...a good mix of information on education, what it takes to be a paralegal, but it went even further to show REALLY what it takes--diligence, STELLAR work ethic (not just mediocre), interpersonal skills, education, and work experience. I feel much more ready for this career after reading this book. Our noble profession (the law) should ALWAYS be upheld by the standards set forth in this book. I too, agree that this should be recommended or required reading in paralegal classes. Everyone can learn from it and take the bits and pieces of it into their own careers and lives--and be better for it. Maybe some thought it was too heavy on personal experience, but that's precisely what makes this book NOT textbook-y. If you really truly want to know what it's like, don't read Litigation or Real Estate for Paralegals, read this book.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paralegal Reality, May 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind the Bar: Inside the Paralegal Profession (Paperback)

This great book has become recommended reading in several college paralegal programs. Those entering the paralegal studies programs can really get a true-life rendering of the real world career of a paralegal. An interesting and informative read!!!