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| List of Illustrations | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Paralegal Field | |
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| A Profession with Great Opportunities | |
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| Who Are These People? The Paralegal Defined | |
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| Birth of a Profession | |
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| Paralegal Training Options | |
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| Certified Versus Certificated | |
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| A Word about Salaries and Other Concerns | |
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| A Little about Computers | |
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| So Many Engaging Options: What Paralegals Do | |
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| Legal Specialties and Subspecialties | |
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| Paralegal Job Descriptions | |
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| Where Do You Fit into the Organization? | |
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| Finding the Decision Makers in Law Firms and Corporations | |
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| Law Firm Structures | |
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| Corporate Law Department Structures | |
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| Where Can You Find Jobs? | |
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| Organizational Charts Tell You Where You Fit | |
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| Straight Talk about Paralegal Schools | |
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| How to Make the Right Choice | |
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| Do You Have to Go to Paralegal School? | |
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| Choosing the Right Paralegal Program for You | |
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| How to Stand Out from the Crowd | |
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| Crafting Winning Resumes, Reference Lists, and Writing Samples | |
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| Selling Yourself to the Legal Industry | |
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| Understanding Yourself before Selling Yourself to Others | |
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| Resume Appearance Counts | |
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| Resume Do's and Don'ts Checklist | |
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| Making Sure That Your References Help You | |
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| Impeccable Writing Samples and Portfolios Can Be Your Secret Weapon | |
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| Formats for Power Resumes: The Chronological Resume | |
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| This May Be the Best Style for You | |
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| How to Prepare a Chronological Resume | |
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| No Legal Experience-No Problem | |
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| Other Activities and Interests | |
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| Formats for Power Resumes: The Functional Resume | |
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| Show Off Your Skills | |
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| Transferring Your Skills | |
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| How to Prepare a Functional Resume | |
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| Writing a Strong Cover Letter | |
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| Honest Clarity Required | |
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| Purpose of a Cover Letter | |
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| Salary History | |
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| Professional Letter Formats | |
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| Do's and Don'ts Cover Letter Checklist | |
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| Networking | |
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| Your Most Powerful Job Search Weapon | |
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| Organize Your Job Search | |
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| Create a Placement File | |
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| How People Find Jobs | |
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| Networking, Networking, Networking | |
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| Approaches to Developing a Network | |
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| Maintaining Relationships with Classmates and Former Employers | |
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| The Informational Interview | |
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| Networking Charts Help You Organize Your Search | |
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| Networking Works, But It Takes Time | |
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| Beginning Your Job Search | |
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| Research Sources | |
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| Where to Find the Strategic Information You Need | |
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| The Internet-A Valuable Research Tool | |
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| Search Organizations Can Help | |
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| Effective Job Search Strategies | |
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| Additional Methods for Finding a Job | |
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| How Companies Find Applicants | |
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| Mass Mailings | |
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| Telephone Solicitations | |
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| Setting up an Informational Interview | |
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| Tracking Lawsuits | |
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| Tracking Other Areas of the Law | |
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| Door-To-Door Contacts | |
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| Self-Advertising | |
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| A Mentor Can Be Your Best Ally | |
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| After You Get Through the Door | |
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| Ensuring a Successful Interview | |
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| How to Approach the Interview | |
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| Being Prepared Will Build Your Confidence | |
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| Rehearsals Help You Get It Right | |
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| "Suit" Yourself-It's Your Appearance | |
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| The Interviewing Process | |
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| Creating a Standout Impression | |
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| Interview Preparation Checklist | |
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| Successfully Handling the Job Interview | |
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| Selling Yourself and Gathering the Information You Need | |
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| Structure of a Typical Interview | |
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| Questions You Might Be Asked | |
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| Handling Inappropriate Questions | |
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| Responses to Inappropriate Questions | |
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| How to Answer Difficult Questions | |
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| Overcoming Objections | |
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| Questions to Ask the Interviewer | |
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| Tips for the Second (and Third) Interview | |
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| Review of Interview Do's and Don'ts | |
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| Getting Paid What You Are Worth | |
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| Salary Negotiation Strategies | |
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| Where to Find Out How Much You Will Earn | |
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| When to Discuss Salary | |
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| How to Negotiate | |
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| If the Offer Is Less Than You Expected | |
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| Other Negotiating Options | |
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| If You Are Using a Placement Agency to Negotiate for You | |
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| What Should Not Be Used as Negotiation Techniques | |
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| Deadlines for Negotiations | |
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| Taking an Active Role | |
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| Wrapping Things Up | |
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| The Importance of Interview Notes and Follow-Up Letters | |
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| Evaluating the Interview | |
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| Thank-You Letters Are Opportunities for Marketing Yourself | |
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| Congratulations! You Are Hired | |
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| Getting Your Bearings | |
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| Working with Legal Secretaries and Support Staff | |
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| Assertiveness Training Helps | |
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| Know What Is Expected | |
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| A Last Word of Advice | |
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| Buzzwords | |
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| Terms You Will Hear in the Legal Community | |
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| Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools List | |
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| Legal Assistant and Paralegal Associations List | |
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| Suggested Reading | |
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| About the Author | |
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| Index | |