Knowing the Law–Why it Matters

The law surrounds us, whether we realize it or not. Though we live in a free society, unfettered by much of the government intervention and controls experienced in many other countries, it’s still a fact that the laws of the land dictate much of our behavior in our communities and in our place of work.

As the saying goes, “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” That’s why even a layperson should have some knowledge of the legal system and its workings. Let’s be realistic, though–not everyone has the time or inclination to study legal briefs during a vacation.  That’s why Mensdivorcecentre.org was created. It’s a solid resource for taking in a general understanding of the law and how it manifests itself in different situations.

Balance

 

The law is a highly complex thing that is constantly changing. Do you know how to protect yourself in the event of a lawsuit? Do you know your rights in case you should have to get a divorce? The kinds of legal problems that can be encountered today are myriad, from workplace harassment issues to lawsuits regarding property settlements after a death or the end of a relationship.

It shouldn’t be necessary to hold a law degree in order to navigate safely in today’s society, but it is important to be armed with information.  Without it, you can end up terribly exposed legally and financially to legal problems you may never have imagined.

Take the time to study up. It’s not impossible—and well worth the time and peace of mind.



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Five Books You Should Read Before Law School

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So you’ve made it into law school and you just can’t wait to start. Take advantage of this down time now, because you certainly won’t have any once you start law school. Here are five worthy titles you should consider adding to your 0L summer reading list.

  1. To Kill a Mockingbird. If you haven’t read Harper Lee’s classic novel about race relations and the law in the South, you’re missing out. Read it– not only for Atticus Finch’s courtroom performances, but also because it’s an amazing read.
  2. One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School. This book is a classic recommendation for any 0L student. The book is an autobiographical tale of Scott Turow’s first year of law school.
  3. Plain English for Lawyers. Even if you don’t read it over the summer, this is one book you should definitely look into purchasing for future reference. Writing is an essential skill for future lawyers to develop, and this book tries to teach it with practical applications and a sprinkling of humor.
  4. How to Succeed in Law School. This book delves into daily law school life and covers what you may experience in your years at law school. You’ll walk into your first day of classes feeling much more prepared.
  5. Getting To Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams. You don’t want to learn about something as important as law school exams on the fly. It takes time and effort to wrap your mind around law school exams, so get a head start with this highly-recommended book.
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Know Your Rights in a Divorce

When considering divorce, it is always best to seek advice and information on divorce proceedings and laws in your state. Many states have their own procedures, laws, and rules when it comes to divorce. Knowing your rights and the process involved for your specific area can help the process move smoother and help reduce the number of surprises that creep up along the way.

When dissolving a marriage, understanding the process, what you need to know, what to do next, and what you will need to decide before beginning the process can be complicated. Even more complicated are the different rules and laws for each state, which can make understanding the process more challenging.

Legal advice or even independent research is helpful when determining what to do next. Investigate the divorce laws in your particular area or seek advice to guide you through this process. Specific state laws can address anything from custody rules to laws that address the division of property and debt when dissolving a marriage. For example, Indiana divorce laws provide specific aspects that deal with grounds for divorce, child support and child custody, and division of property. Many states will have similar laws and rules for divorce in that specific state as well.

When filing for divorce it is always best to know the specific details that apply to your specific state. Understanding the various steps along the way can make the process less stressful and make you more knowledgeable and prepared. When possible always seek information and legal advice when considering or moving forward with a divorce.

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Legal Career Profile: Paralegal

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What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals are commonly known as “legal assistants.” A paralegal provides a variety of duties aimed at assisting an attorney, including:

  • investigating case facts
  • research
  • interviewing people related to a case
  • drafting legal documents
  • organizing case documents and information
  • providing assistance at legal proceedings

Where do Paralegals Work?

Paralegal jobs will most likely be found at law firms, large corporations, or government operations.

What Kind of Education do I Need to Become a Paralegal?

It depends on who’s hiring. Some paralegals have picked up the trade through experience or exposure. However, most paralegal positions require some form of education. Education programs for paralegals include associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or a paralegal certificate program. In today’s job market, those with a bachelor’s degree have the best chance of getting hired as a paralegal.

What are Standard Salaries for a Paralegal?

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations report that paralegals generally experience an average salary of a little over $50,000. These numbers do vary based on location and experience, with 25% of survey respondents reporting salaries under $40,000 and 25% reporting salaries over $60,000. Some specialized paralegals have reported six figure salaries.

Is a Paralegal a Good Career Choice in Today’s Market?

The paralegal career field is definitely expanding and growing, thanks to sky-high legal prices and an increased demand for legal services. CNN Money rated “paralegal” as one of their top 20 jobs in America today. However, the article only gave the career a “C+” in terms of job fulfillment and challenges.

 

 

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Tips for Law School Hopefuls

Gavel & Stryker

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So you want to head to law school, eh? While there are no hard-and-fast rules or formulas for who will and who won’t get into law school, these helpful tips and pointers may give you a leg up on the competition.

Study for the LSAT

Sounds obvious, right? There’s a difference between preparing and adequately preparing for the LSAT. It’s a big test. Give it the respect it deserves. Plan to study at least 100 hours for the exam and invest in LSAT preparation materials. Don’t be afraid to take an LSAT prep course, either. Just make sure your course instructor has a reputable bio.

Analyze Which Law Schools you Want to Go To

It’s far too costly and time-ineffective to apply to a list as long as your arm. Research, research, and research some more to pick your trim list of prospective law schools. You’ll need to strongly focus on these schools, so choose a small list with plenty of variety.

Give Your Personal Statement the Attention it Deserves

Don’t treat your personal statement like a throwaway essay. Your personal statement can make or break you. Make sure you don’t write one personal statement for each school: admissions counselors can spot a generic statement in a heartbeat. Take the time to answer each school’s specific question. It’s an important step that many applicants ignore.

Prepare for Your Interviews

Know the school’s program inside and out. You want to look like a knowledgeable candidate who knows exactly why he wants to go to this particular school. Don’t give canned answers. You need to walk in stocked with solid answers.

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Navigating Through a Divorce

Why is it important to find the best divorce lawyer you can? Because if you don’t you may end up losing your car, home, money and worst of all, your right to see your children. With so much to lose it’s crucial to undergo the most thorough search you possibly can. Along with relying on yourself, use the help of online tools and follow the advice of your friends and family.

The reality is finding businesses such as law firms are much easier online than scouring the phone book or newspaper classifieds. Users can simply put in the type of business they’re looking for and their location in a search engine service like canada 411 and an extensive list comes up. But the ease of navigating is only half the advantage. By searching online you can find reviews of lawyers and information regarding their specialties and stories any notable cases they were involved, which significantly helps when trying to choose among the best.

Unfortunately, the divorce rate is relatively high compared to past generations. However, that seems to indicate that chances are high that you know someone who has been in a divorce. That person can be an invaluable resource for advice, as well as for referring a divorce lawyer. Also, colleges have seen record numbers of law school applicants, so you just may have a lawyer in you immediate family. While they may not specialize in divorce, they are sure to have numerous law connections that can lead you to the best divorce lawyer.

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