isa Miksa’s paralegal career began at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, where she

attended computerized business technology classes through the Adult Career Center and learned the ins and outs of working in a professional office setting.

“It included extensive training in computer programs,” she said. “It provides you with the basic skills for a career as an administrative assistant.”

But Miksa, who graduated from Lorain Admiral King High School in 1998 and currently attends Myers University in Cleveland working toward her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, knew she wanted to work in a law office.

“I was just 20 years old when this firm gave me a chance,” said Miksa, who has worked for the law firm of Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook & Batista in Avon for the past five years. “I sent my resume and they hired me.”

And Miksa never looked back or questioned her career choice.

She decided to attend Myers University because, like many professions, paralegal work is moving toward requiring specific college studies and degree programs. Although paralegals like Miksa, who have worked in the field for a number of years, can be “grandfathered” to avoid the new requirements, Miksa chose to work toward her bachelor’s degree, which also will provide her the option of attending law school if she chooses that path in the future.

But the job in law she already has is very rewarding, she said.

“Every day when I go home I know I had a

good day,” she said. “I challenged myself and my job made me think. I catch things other people don’t catch and

my job is to support the attorney and the client,

and when I do that it makes me proud.”

Her responsibilities include assisting attorneys in the business organizations and tax department. “The areas of law in which I regularly work include formation of professional, non- professional and non-profit corporations and limited liability companies. I also work on matters relating to buying and selling of business organizations.”

Those tasks require her to gather information and prepare transaction documents and Miksa regularly

This information is derived from careful research and ongoing feedback from Lorain County employers. Empowered with this knowledge, it is up to all of us to create a vibrant and productive workforce for the county.

Do You Like...

Kind of Work You Can Expect RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Legal Secretaries Law Clerks

Court Clerks Title Examiners,

Abstractors, and Searchers

Lawyers Tax Preparers

Court Reporters

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http://

online.onetcenter.org/

L

coordinates work through the Ohio Secretary of State’s office and Internal Revenue Service.

Anyone who thinks a paralegal career might be a good path for them needs to have a professional attitude, Miksa said, and should also be a detail-oriented person with ambition. High school students should focus on English and writing skills, because effective communication is a major part of the job.

Miksa said what she enjoys most about her job is working with clients.

“I would like to delegate the typing and processing aspect of the job and concentrate more on the interaction with the client,” she said.

Miksa and her daughter, Taylor, live in Lorain.

5 ,240 6,600 1,360 26.0 % 1,780

NATIONAL

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Projections to 2014

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Research, Assessment and Accountability, Job Outlook to 2012: Northern Ohio -

Economic Development Region 8 (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties)

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Research, Assessment and Accountability, Ohio Job Outlook to 2012

Total Job Openings

2004 2014 Change in Percent Due to Growth Annual Projected Employment Change & Turnover

Employment Employment 2004-2014 2004-2014 2004-2014

224,000 291,000 67,000 29.7 % 85,000

1,670 2,080 410 24.6 % 540

Job Openings

OHIO

REGION

To find past profile pages visit www.chroniclet.com, click on: Newspaper in Education and then click on Career Pages.

Career Profile Coming April 4, 2006: Accountant

Expectations & Opportunities

STEPS TO SUCCESS Minimum Education These occupations usually require an associate’s degree. Some may require a bachelor’s degree.

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http://online.onetcenter.org/

Educational/Training Level

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http://online.onetcenter.org/

High School or less 42%

Some College 42%

Bachelor’s Degree or higher 16%

Percentage of Respondents Educational Level Attained

Occupational Information Network,

O*NET OnLine, http:// online.onetcenter.org/

• Prepares legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.

• Prepares affidavits or other documents, maintains document file, and files pleadings with court clerk.

• Gathers and analyzes research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

• Investigates facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

• Calls upon witnesses to testify at hearing.

• Directs and coordinates law office activity,

including delivery of subpoenas.

• Arbitrates disputes between parties and assists in real estate closing process.

• Keeps and monitors legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.

• Appraises and inventories real and personal property for estate planning.

● ● ● ● ●

“Anyone who thinks a paralegal career might be a good path for them needs

to have a professional attitude and should also be

a detail-oriented person with ambition.”

● ● ● ● ●

• Work that lets you be of service to others • Working where the lines of

authority are clear • Interacting and communicating

with people • Starting up and carrying out projects,

especially business ventures • Taking risks for profit • Work activities that follow

set procedures and routines • Jobs that let you use your best abilities • Taking best advantage of your

particular work style

Lisa Miksa, a paralegal with the law firm of Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook & Batista, in Avon, Ohio.

There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate’s degree. The other common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is through a program that leads to a certification in paralegal studies.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook,

2006-07 Edition

Training Opportunities

Technical Skills and Knowledge You Will Need to Develop

Paralegal/Legal Assistant: • Can perform research, drafting,

investigatory, record-keeping and related administrative functions under the supervision of an attorney, including knowledge in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures and legal specializations.

Law and Government: • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court

procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language: • Knowledge of the structure and

content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Clerical: • Knowledge of administrative and

clerical procedures and systems

such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service: • Knowledge of principles and

processes for providing customer

and personal services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2004 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2004 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Staristics, Nov. 2004 Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

National $42,740/yr. ($20.55/hr)

Ohio $40,000/yr. ($19.23/hr)

Cleveland-Lorain- Elyria PMSA $42,280/yr. ($20.33/hr)

Earning Potential

Interpersonal Skills: Teamwork Skills: Develop cooperative and constructive working relationships with other workers. Organize and perform tasks in a way that will help accomplish team goals efficiently and effectively. Negotiation Skills: Be able to effectively and efficiently negotiate issues and reconcile differences. Customer Service Orientation: Can effectively answer customers’ questions and quickly resolve problems. Be able to provide assistance and advice to customers when requested. Respects Diversity: Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for differences in individual perspective, personality, ethnic/cultural values, and religious beliefs.

Thinking Skills: Decision Making: Combine, evaluate, and logically organize information to make decisions. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches and make decisions based on all available information. Problem Solving: Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. Be able to identify the nature of problems and resolve conflicts quickly.

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http://online.onetcenter.org/

Basic or Core Abilities You Will Need

Basic Skill Requirements

Workplace Success Skills

• Knowing How to Learn

Thinking Skills

• Decision Making • Problem Solving

Basic Academic Skills

• Reading & Writing Skills • Communication Skills • Basic Computer Skills

Core Abilities

• Teamwork Skills • Negotiation Skills • Customer Service

Orientation

Interpersonal Skills

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http:/online.onetcenter.org/

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria 1-800-995-LCCC www.lorainccc.edu

Occupational Information Network, O*NET OnLine, http:online.onetcenter.org/

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics