After dedicating 14 years as a full-time caregiver to her three special needs children, Vernee Thompson made the decision to return to school and pursue a Paralegal associate degree at American National University. Married for 16 years and supported by a strong network of family—including her husband, children, mother, siblings, and extended relatives—she approached her education with determination and purpose. Building on her previous bachelor’s degree, she chose to expand her skill set through ANU’s Paralegal program, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue new professional goals. Her journey reflects resilience, commitment, and the impact of a strong support system in achieving academic and career success.

Her decision to pursue a career in the paralegal field was driven by both practicality and personal interest. After initially planning to earn a second bachelor’s degree, she discovered that her intended program had been dissolved, prompting her to explore alternative educational paths. With a long-standing interest in law, she began researching various legal services careers and identified the paralegal profession as a strong fit. She reviewed programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to ensure quality and credibility. “And since I wasn’t able to attend in person because of children’s disabilities, I decided to see if there were any online schools that the American Bar Association approved of,” she explained. “One of them was American National University, so I reached out to them, they reached back out to me, and that’s how I got enrolled!”

Vernee also highlighted how ANU’s paralegal program expanded her understanding of the paralegal role, as well as prepared her for the realities of the workforce. She explained, “I feel like I – it was a really great course in legal services and legal theory, something I didn’t really think about. Because I’m thinking, ‘oh I’m just a paralegal, I’m just gonna be handling paperwork.’ Well, it’s more than that. You’re also interviewing clients, you’re handling confidential information, you communicating with the courts, you’re communicating with attorneys.” Additionally, learning from career-experienced professors deepened her understanding. “It prepares you for the life of working in a law office – and it helps that your professors are also lawyers, or former paralegals, or current paralegals! So they understood what needs to be done in a law office through our assignments and discussions to help us become paralegals.”

She also pointed to the hands-on tools incorporated into the program as a key part of her preparation, particularly the use of industry-standard legal research platforms like LexisNexis®, which she had access to within her courses. Reflecting on this experience, she shared: “Lexis+ is basically a subscription for legal aid – it helps you look up cases, it helps you research how the cases were decided, how it was treated – was it treated negatively and favorably by the courts – and it gives you the background information on the cases. Also you can use it look up cases – previous cases, supreme court cases, cases in your state, federal as well as state administrative laws, and different things like that. So it was a great, helpful tool… for legal students to use because if you go to your law firm.”

“[ANU] prepares you for life outside of school. It’s not just a bunch of theories, but its real world applications mixed with clinical evaluations when you’re doing your assignments and doing your discussions.”

Throughout her time in the program, she found consistent encouragement and guidance from her instructors, including the Paralegal program dean Wendy Notz, as well as professors teaching her law and business like Traci Dingle, Dr. Lyndsey Obringer, Sheri Clark, and Lisa Custer. Reflecting on their impact, she shared, “All of the professors at ANU have been phenomenal for me. I could reach out to them, they were available for me, to answer questions timely. No question was off limits, everything was clearly explained, and if I had trouble with something, they were very detailed and they were very open and honest with me. All of them were very inspirational for me. So there is not a single one that I could say – they all inspired me, every last one of my professors did.”

Vernee’s future goals are to continue to be a solid figure for her children. Since graduating from ANU, she wants to work within the realm of family law as it was something she focused on in her previous career of social services. However, she takes things day by day. “I take it as it comes, and I just try to live each day to the fullest – because tomorrow is not promised to anybody!”

Would she recommend to ANU to other students looking to earn their higher education? “Yes, I would! I like the ease of the program. It’s still intensive because [a term] is ten weeks. But you learn so much in those ten weeks… You learn synchronously and you learn asynchronously as well,” she explained. “You know I also would recommend it because there’s the flexibility. If you work days, they have night classes – if you work nights, they have day classes. And the professors are very accommodating! I’ve met cohorts in my classes who have full time jobs and are [sic] full-time parents and they still were able to do their work, they were still able to attend their classes.”

“I think no matter where I go in law, I feel like I am prepared more than I would have been if I had not gone to ANU.”

Vernee’s advice to new students: “I would suggest that they do their work – not try to do everything at one time but try to space it out. Know your deadlines. Just time manage. If you have trouble, go to the professors, they’re very accommodating.”

The post From Home to the Courtroom appeared first on American National University.

The reapproval by the ABA’s House of Delegates, acting on the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Paralegals, reflects the programs’ continued adherence to rigorous national standards in curriculum, instruction, and faculty quality. This milestone ensures that students completing the paralegal program will continue to graduate from a program recognized for meeting the highest professional benchmarks in paralegal education.

“Achieving ABA reapproval is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, as well as the high-quality experience we provide our students,” says American National University president, Dr. Frank Longaker. “This recognition provides our graduates with a competitive edge as they begin or advance their careers in the legal field.”

The ABA approval makes American National University’s Paralegal programs part of a select group of programs nationwide that meet standards designed to prepare students for success as trained paralegals. Graduates of the program are equipped with practical skills in legal research, ethical practice, and substantive law, enabling them to support attorneys and legal teams effectively across a wide range of settings.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate the Paralegal Programs’ ABA approval.  This is a milestone that reflects the hard work, commitment, and excellence of our Paralegal Program community,” says Paralegal programs dean, Wendy Notz. “This achievement does not happen by chance. It happens because of people who believe in the mission of this university, who invest their time, passion, and expertise into building programs that change lives. ABA approval is more than recognition—it’s a promise to uphold the highest standards for our students and the profession.”

American National University’s paralegal programs integrate theoretical foundations with real-world applications, preparing students for roles in the legal field. The program’s online and flexible format allows working adults and busy learners to balance education with professional and personal commitments. Our students are trained by professionals that have real-world experience and knowledge about the career. For more information about either paralegal program, or how to apply, visit www.virginia.an.edu.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

The post ANU’s Paralegal Programs Earn ABA Reapproval for Seven More Years appeared first on American National University.

Colleen Morgan, a dedicated direct support professional and employment specialist, has spent her career empowering adults with disabilities—often sharing her artistic talents by teaching art classes at work. With an associate degree in visual fine arts and a deep love for creativity, Colleen once envisioned a future centered entirely on art and giving back to her community. However, when she began to face burnout in her career path, she knew she needed a change. Colleen decided to combine this desire to help others with another lifelong passion—law—by returning to school at American National University in the Paralegal certificate program. Her commitment, drive, and dedication to her new career path has earned her the distinct award of Term Trailblazer, nominated by her professors.

When Colleen decided to pursue her passion for law, she began by researching a wide range of schools. She needed an online program to fit her full-time work schedule and limited free time. Affordability was also a key factor, and she specifically sought out ABA-approved programs. “I chose ANU because the program works really well with my schedule, and also it was the cheapest out of all of the schools I looked at!” she laughs. “So that was the most appealing. And it was ABA-[approved]!” ANU hit every need she had for her higher education.

Starting the Paralegal program opened new ways of thinking for Colleen that deeply engaged her natural curiosity. “It definitely–I feel like once I started the Paralegal program, especially when I started legal research and writing, it kind of changed the way my brain dissected things, like the way I think. I find that really interesting… I am naturally a very curious person, I like to research and learn things. And I know that’s a lot of what Paralegals do, researching and learning about the different laws.” Reflecting on her Legal Research and Writing course, she shared:

“The way that Wendy taught us to look at the law and break it down and then look at the issue and break it down into facts, and then apply the two, at first it was really, really difficult. I felt like the class broke my brain – but in a good way!” She laughs. “It kind of rewired it, and I think that getting that skill of research and writing can carry on to all facets of your life… it only helps me be a better writer. It’s going to help me wherever I go after [ANU].”

Colleen’s curiosity only deepened as she explored specialized areas of law. “Sheri [Clark] actually recommended me to take [Estate Administration and Elder Law].” She has discovered a strong connection between laws protecting the elderly and those covering people with disabilities, saying, “A lot of the laws that cover the elderly also cover people with disabilities, so I am learning a lot about that… I am getting more information and learning more about the processes and what it looks like, and I find that interesting!”

Colleen also spoke warmly about the professors who have shaped her experience. She admires Dean Wendy Notz’s teaching style: “I liked that she was – she’s a little bit of a stricter grader, but I really appreciate professors that don’t let students take the easy way out. I like them to challenge me… I like to try to work through something and figure it out. And that way, when I do figure it out, I feel a lot better, and I feel more prepared when I do go out in the field. I felt like I learned a lot from Wendy and she’s an amazing professor.” She also appreciated Sheri Clark’s genuine care and connection with her students, as mentioned previously with her Elder Law class. “I can see that she genuinely cares for all of her students. I like that she can remember little things about students. I feel like when I would take Sheri’s classes, it felt more like a little family rather than a class while still learning a lot from her – which is nice!”

Her future goals include becoming certified both as a paralegal and as a notary. Additionally, her biggest goal is to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree and then go to law school. “It was always in the back of my mind, if art didn’t work out, I would really like to be a lawyer,” she muses. “Seeing the injustices that happen to people, I want to fight for people, and I think a way to do that is being a lawyer… I want to work with people who are underserved in the community.” Her love of education and learning only boosts her desire to achieve her goals.

Would she recommend ANU for higher education? She answers:

“Yeah, I would recommend ANU to a friend looking to be a paralegal. I think ANU is really great with working with adults who work full time… And I think that’s hard to find – a school that you like that also works with your schedule. And also, it’s very affordable!”

Her advice to new students is to get a physical planner. Writing down assignments, due dates, and readings helps her stay on track. “Also have [at least one] day in your week where you are setting aside time for schoolwork. That day for me was Tuesday because Tuesdays I got out of work early and didn’t have any classes. So after work, I would come home, sit at my desk, and either read, or do my discussion posts, or get assignments done – that was my day to work,” she explains, as these two tips helped her succeed in her classes.

The post From Art to Advocacy appeared first on American National University.

While Ann has already been through a paralegal education prior to joining ANU’s certificate program, she says it was “nothing like [ANU’s] program.” One of the biggest reasons she enjoyed her education here is because of the connection she has felt with her professors and fellow students. “The interaction with the instructors, even through Zoom – I will say, you guys have really mastered that online platform and being able to really communicate,” she explains. “We might work on something, and it didn’t really feel remote. So it was great!” The biggest benefit to earning her certificate is that it added to her already existing education and experience. “It is really great to have the update in technology… and the learning, the being entrenched in it as intense as the program is… it really does prepare you for those situations in a work setting where it’s crunch time and you’re dealing with this, and you know there’s an end in sight so you can get through. And learning things that I didn’t know, because I did corporate [law]. And I worked for a criminal defense attorney a long time ago, so it wasn’t really anything I remembered.”

Ann’s professors imbued her with the knowledge she needed to branch out in her career. While she came in with experience from her career, two professors taught her so much more. Dean of the program Wendy Notz and Sheri Clark have made a real impact on Ann’s education.

“What I appreciated is Dean Notz, her class – like learning so much and having that early really helped build a foundation,” she described. “And Sheri [Clark] always brings learning and humor, like stories that help you learn. [They were] a really good combination… you hear them in your head afterwards.”

Since she’s finished her program, Ann says, “I miss it! I miss the classes! I like learning.” When it comes to her future now that she has completed her certificate, she plans to work in person in a real estate firm. “I do best with challenges that seem overwhelming, but I like to chip away at something… I like different kinds of projects,” she explained. She wants to work within these two career fields that she has come to enjoy – law and real estate – while interacting with people. “I wouldn’t mind working remote but still being [involved with people]. Like having everyone get together – it doesn’t bother me if it’s virtual.”

Would she recommend ANU to those looking to earn their higher education?

“I would definitely!” She explained that while she worked for her previous employer, she was working remotely. However, they didn’t have the work ironed out. “I’ve told people how [ANU] has mastered… [remote work]. It’s seamless! Even the online textbooks – where that’s not something I normally would like – it worked!”

Her advice to new students: “Get ready, put the time in and study. Just because it’s remote – you have to treat it like you’re there – nobody is going to force you… Take it seriously and don’t be afraid to participate in class and ask for help. I think working with the other students is a good experience because everybody – we all have such different backgrounds.”

The post Broadening Her Education: Ann Burns Story with ANU appeared first on American National University.

Defining Legal Assistant and Paralegal

1. Legal Assistant: According to Thomas Reuters Legal Solutions: “A legal assistant is a professional who provides administrative and clerical support to lawyers and other legal professionals.” Their duties may include scheduling meetings, preparing legal documents, answering phones, and organizing case files. While they may assist with legal work, their primary role is often administrative.
2. Paralegal: According to the American Bar Association: “A paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Paralegals are more involved in substantive legal work. They may draft legal documents, conduct legal research, and assist in case preparation. Their responsibilities often require a deeper understanding of the law, and many paralegals have specialized education or certification.

Key Differences Between Paralegals and Legal Assistants

While the roles are distinct, there are some overlaps. For example, both legal assistants and paralegals may help organize legal files, draft documents, and assist lawyers in preparing cases. The key differences, however, are:

• Educational Requirements – Paralegals typically undergo more formalized education than legal assistants. They often hold an associate degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. Some pursue professional certifications like the Certified Paralegal (CP) designation from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the Registered Paralegal (RP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)​. In contrast, legal assistants may complete certificate or diploma programs, they typically are not required to have formal education beyond a high school diploma, learning on the job or transferring from other administrative roles.
• Type of Work – Legal assistants focus more on administrative tasks. Their responsibilities often involve clerical duties, like maintaining files, managing schedules, answering phones, and drafting basic documents. They help lawyers with office management and ensure smooth operations but generally do not work directly on legal casework. However, Paralegals will perform more specialized legal tasks. They assist lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and preparing materials for court cases. What is common for both, though, is that neither can give legal advice or represent clients for any legal matter.
• Career Growth – Paralegals often have more opportunities for career growth, especially in large firms or specialized areas of law, thanks to their legal expertise. They may advance into senior paralegal roles or specialize in areas such as corporate law, family law, or litigation. With their education, many paralegals also advance their degrees. Legal assistants, while valuable in law firms, typically do not have the same kind of range within the legal field, as their roles are more administrative.

Clearing Up the Confusion

To answer the question posed before – is a legal assistant the same as a paralegal? – it can be answered with a no. While it’s common for people to use the terms “legal assistant” and “paralegal” interchangeably, they are distinct roles with different responsibilities, education requirements, and career opportunities. Understanding these differences is important for individuals exploring a legal career and for law firms looking to build an effective team. Those who are detail-oriented and enjoy administrative work may find fulfillment as legal assistants. Meanwhile, those who wish to be more involved in legal research and casework may pursue a career as a paralegal, which offers greater opportunities for specialization and advancement​. Both roles are incredibly vital to a law firm, but their contributions to their workplace differ. To learn more about how you can become a paralegal, go to an.edu.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

The post Is a Legal Assistant the Same as a Paralegal? appeared first on American National University.

Pikeville, Kentucky native, Bobby Moore, wanted a change in his career after spending nearly twenty-five years as an EMT. Knowing about American National University because of our campus in Pikeville, Bobby went browsing through our programs. He decided to take a few online courses in our Paralegal associate degree program and decided to jump in fully after meeting some of the professors, including Dean Wendy Notz. With his dedication to his studies, Bobby has earned the title of Term Trailblazer for term 244, nominated by Linda Bernhardt!

After spending decades in the healthcare field, Bobby knew he wanted to change careers. He wanted to pursue something different, and that’s where ANU’s Paralegal program gave him the opportunity to find that change. “I applied, I did all of my stuff online and within no time, I’ve got a call from somebody, and they actually set up a meeting – a phone interview with Dean Notz,” he explains about his process entering ANU, “we went over my background, why I wanted to take the course. She does a pretty good little lecture with you about how important it is.” And from his acceptance and joining his classes, he says that “everything was just falling into place.” In the entire process, he found he had no problems transitioning into the program. “I’ve never had any issues with financial aid or any of those kind of parts with ANU… it was just a smooth transition going into my first couple of classes.”

Bobby enjoys attending ANU because of the flexibility it gives him within his life and responsibilities.

“It was just easy and for me not being a traditional student, it was just so much easier for me to get used to the way that we did our assignments, the way that we had our Zoom classes. I was still able to be a dad and do everything else that I needed to do. But I could also take all my classes,” he explains.

He explains that as a parent, he gets pulled in so many directions that the ability to attend classes online has been a game changer for him earning his education while being there for his family. “It’s laid back, but it’s also structured. I’m not having to wake up and go into a classroom every day… honestly I feel like more people who work jobs and who have family life – if they understood how it worked, I think more people would be interested in taking online classes.”

He explains in his classes that having professors who truly understand the material has been a game changer for his learning experience. In one of his more recent terms, he studied intellectual properties, and he described the class was very intense and one of the more difficult classes he’s had. However, his professor, Cristi Conrick, made it easy for him to comprehend and complete his classes.

“Where she worked in that field already, it was just so easy to understand. Had we not have had somebody that had that real life experience, it would have been a lot more difficult. But that was one of my favorite classes that I’ve taken so far.”

Every professor that Bobby has had in his educational journey has been a lifeline for him, a person to add to his network, and has given him the knowledge he needs to reach his goals. “All the professors that I’ve had so far, like the last class or they’ll send out an email and just be like, ‘this is my phone number. Once you’re my student, you’re always my student. If you have anything, if you need any help with anything, just message to me’.” And not only that, but he is also meeting students from across the nation to bond with and to develop a professional network.

Bobby’s future goals include going to school to earn his bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Additionally, he has found that he one day wants to teach these legal studies to other students. “I’d actually talked to Dean Notz about what the steps would be for me to possibly come back and teach some classes with the program. Because I feel like ANU has been great for me and I know there’s other people out there that would be great fit for classes like that.”

Would he recommend ANU to others?

“Absolutely. I would tell [students about] the paralegal program I love, but also [I have] some really good friends that have went through the nursing program. And the ANU campus here in Pikeville is phenomenal for the nurses that they’re putting out there in the field. All around, ANU is a great place to go, and I would advise anybody if they’re looking for it to at least give it a chance.”

His advice to new students is to don’t forget the small stuff. “It is the simple things. You’ve got your discussion posts, and you’ve got your responses that you have to respond back to somebody. Those are simple points – you answer a question and then you respond back to somebody and it’s simple. But if you don’t do that initial work at the end of the term, it’s gonna catch up with you.” He explains that students should take the time to make sure they have all assignments in, no matter how small. He also emphasizes, “if you’re in the paralegal program, cite your sources!”

The post Fit for Life appeared first on American National University.

The reason Angela chose ANU over other Paralegal programs was the flexibility we offered her. Our class schedules were available from morning until night. Her work schedule changes frequently, so she needed something that could accommodate her time. “At ANU, I first registered as a night student, but luckily they’ve been very helpful and flexible and able, especially for this term, to move my classes to the morning,” she explains.

“They were a lot more helpful than most [other institutions] and just understanding that most people have jobs to get them through this program.”

In her classes, Angela is learning topics that make her a more well-rounded paralegal. She’ll often take concepts she learned in class to her mother who works in criminal cases. Sometimes, her mother won’t have the answers. And ANU is teaching her the knowledge she needs to be a confident worker. “This program has definitely helped because I can’t just assume my mom’s going to know the answer… [I] have to figure it out,” she says. “The discovery class [I took] I thought was really helpful because it was very hands-on… You have to go out and find out what documents you need and then put it together yourself. It was a challenge… but I think it was beneficial because now I have an idea of how to go about it and do it myself without bothering the attorney.”

From her very first interactions with ANU, Angela says everyone has been helpful and kind. “My last week of the term, I had to go on a work trip, and I had all my finals to take. All of my teachers were really helpful, and they were like: ‘we’ll open them a couple days early for you, you’ll get them done!’” She describes. She explains that other institutions she spoke to were rigid in their schedules and gave no room to budge or help her.

“ANU has been very helpful, and the teachers have been very great, they respond very quickly, even on the admissions side.”

Angela calls out Dean Wendy Notz and Professor Sheri Clark as two that have helped her learn not only a lot of information, but they make it fun and interesting.

Her future goals include wanting to continue her work as a fitness instructor while also working as a paralegal. She wants to be on the 18b Panel in the city and also help her mother with her cases in her paralegal work. “Just keep learning, maybe I’ll take on another program! I learned that I miss being in school,” she says.

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I definitely would any program because of how helpful and flexible [ANU] is!”

Her advice to new students: “Get ahead of your work… don’t leave it to the last second!”

The post Flexibility in the Field of Law: Angela’s Story with ANU appeared first on American National University.

Chicago native, Asia Blossom, joined American National University to propel her future to greater lengths to provide for her child. She joined our Paralegal associate degree program in hopes of finding a career that not only helps her provide for her family but also satiates her interest in criminal law. An avid learner and role model to her younger siblings, she strives to be an example for all the children in her life to look up to as an example to excel. Along with that, Asia has a passion for writing that has propelled her to not only do well in her Paralegal program, but to become the first ever Student Blogger at ANU.

The biggest draw to ANU for Asia was the fact that she could earn her degree from home. “I was really attracted to the idea of being able to get my degree from home,” she starts, “and actually get a degree. Most other schools were offering certificates and not the actual degree.” Once she knew she would earn an associate degree, she immediately enrolled with ANU. Asia is also able to work while attending ANU from the comfort of her home so that she doesn’t have to put her work or family life on pause to earn her education. She enjoys “the flexibility and being able to take night classes” so that it fits to her life schedule.

With her classes so far, Asia feels prepared to enter the workforce easily.

“Honestly, with the time that I already spent at ANU, I feel like I could start work tomorrow and get it done!”

She learns a lot from her professors because of their career experience in the Paralegal field. “They always tell us their stories and give us real life examples of what could happen. They just explain everything so great and it’s just easy to remember.” She then explains that the Canvas tool helps her as well because she’s able to return to her previous eBooks and assignments to build upon her education.

For her, two professors stand out amongst the rest from her classes. Ryan Sharp and Lisa Custer have helped Asia develop her skills for various reasons. With Ryan, “he really knows how to get the class engaged. He’s really great to get people to communicate and talk in class… a lot of people are active and share.” With Lisa, “with her class I got a lot of hands-on experience with the projects and assignments that we were assigned to do.” And even though Asia attends classes via Zoom and through her computer, she is still heavily involved with her professors and fellow classmates.

“Being able to be part of a class without having to physically be there is important to me. With ANU, I am still able to socialize with people and stay in touch with people outside of my house.”

Her future goals include becoming a criminal legal investigator as the field interests her. She wants to work with a big law firm to do this kind of work. She also sees herself continually earning her education as she grows in the Paralegal field, whether that be another degree or certifications. “My bachelor’s degree is just around the corner from my associate degree,” she explains, “so I’d like to see where my career takes me.”

Does Asia recommend ANU to other students looking to earn their degree? “Absolutely, 100%. I wouldn’t say anything else besides how great [ANU] is. It’s all from home and there is nothing more that I would ask for from ANU!”

Her advice to new students that join American National University: “Familiarize yourself with the policies for your program… there’s no talking your way out of it. Once you mess up, you have to fix it!”

The post Blossoming as a Paralegal appeared first on American National University.

Written by Asia Blossom

Mastering effective time management is more than just a skill; it’s a fundamental pillar of success for adults who find themselves balancing multiple roles. In the midst of a whirlwind of daily activities and responsibilities, lacking proper time management can lead to lateness, missed deadlines, and persistent frustration. However, it’s essential to recognize that these responsibilities don’t have to permanently overshadow our personal dreams and aspirations.

For many, like me, the realization of balancing my time effectively came when I found myself with mornings dedicated to both work and childcare, leaving evenings free. I work full-time remotely as a Documentation Specialist. This gives me the freedom to be home with my child instead of paying for childcare services. I was determined to maximize this available time, but my search for night classes that could accommodate my work schedule proved to be a prolonged and frustrating endeavor. At one point, I even considered self-paced courses, only to realize that my lack of genuine interest in the subject matter resulted in a disappointing investment of both time and money.

However, a ray of hope emerged when I discovered American National University and its Global Learning program. I proceeded with the application process, which turned out to be a seamless and straightforward experience. Much to my relief, I received an acceptance, my financial aid significantly covered my expenses, and the ease of accessing all my resources with a mere click made the venture even more enticing. Amid my excitement, a touch of skepticism lingered, as everything appeared almost too good to be true!

The keystone of our academic tools is the Canvas platform, which is an app and website. It is integral to our success at ANU. Canvas serves as a one-stop resource hub, offering an array of features to streamline our educational journey. With it, we can effortlessly attend our classes via Zoom where all students keep their cameras on and participate like they would in a physical classroom, keep track of assignment deadlines, stay ahead on coursework, and access the ANU library. Inside Canvas you can find another useful tool called Bookshelf. Bookshelf houses all the essential course reading materials. This feature is particularly dear to me, as it not only saves students valuable time but also prevents unnecessary expenses incurred by choosing the wrong reading materials. We can highlight, take notes, and create flashcards using Bookshelf’s features. Canvas additionally showcases feedback from instructors on your assignments. The wealth of resources doesn’t stop there; we’re merely scratching the surface! We find additional essential resources such as student emails, Career Connect, the writing center, and the student store right at our fingertips. For those who thrive on group collaboration, Canvas facilitates group chats involving enrolled students and instructors. It also offers a means to contact individuals without needing their contact information. In essence, Canvas provides an all-encompassing, virtual college experience, eliminating the need for physical attendance, and it truly is remarkable.

Considering these factors, there may be moments when one confronts the overwhelming challenges of dealing with multiple responsibilities. Some days, individuals might ponder, “Is it possible to thrive while simultaneously juggling these numerous responsibilities?” As exemplified in my journey, finding the right tools and resources can make a significant difference. I can affirm that it is indeed possible.

Here, I’ll share a few valuable tips and strategies I use to sustain success in both my professional and personal life:

Prioritize Tasks: Begin by identifying and prioritizing your tasks based on their importance and deadlines.

For me, this is paramount because tasks of greater significance often demand more time and attention. Starting with the most crucial task ensures that you deliver your best quality and effort.

1. Create a Schedule: Establish a daily or weekly schedule that allocates dedicated time for work, childcare, study, and personal activities.

Personally, I maintain a monthly physical calendar to keep track of my priorities. This practice helps me maintain a consistent schedule and ensures that I never inadvertently miss any deadlines.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, making them more achievable.

This approach has been particularly beneficial for my educational journey. Although it may not be ideal to dive into homework immediately after work, it has proven effective for me in this temporary phase. As a full-time student, managing three classes multiplies the workload. Given the flexibility to work from home during downtime, I find myself reading and completing homework throughout the week. This allows me to ensure timely submissions and deliver my best quality work without feeling rushed.

3. Eliminate Distractions: Recognize and minimize distractions in your environment to enhance focus during work or study periods.

For parents, this can be challenging as our children frequently require our attention. In my case, the most opportune time to tackle homework is when my child is asleep for the night. Just as I maintain a daily and nightly routine, my child does as well. This arrangement minimizes potential disruptions and allows me to work more efficiently.

For individuals managing multiple roles, mastering effective time management is a crucial skill. As my own experience illustrates, the availability of supportive tools and resources can have a profound impact on one’s journey. The flexibility of my job and the invaluable resources provided by ANU played a pivotal role in shaping my path. With commitment and a well-crafted approach to time management, all can successfully navigate the intricacies of their lives while still chasing their dreams and aspirations.

By mastering the art of time, you shall weave its precious threads more purposefully, etching constellations of consistency across your life’s canvas, a stronger self-emerging from the tapestry of each passing day.

The post The Art of Finding Balance appeared first on American National University.

Confidentiality:

While paralegals do not participate within the rights of attorney-client privilege, they do have to be confidential. This means not disclosing any information about clients, cases, or legal matters without proper authorization. Protecting client information is essential for building trust, not only with the client, but with their attorneys as well. The American Bar Association (ABA) says this about confidentiality from non-attorney workers: “any nonlawyer at a firm, district attorney’s or public defender’s office, or even a nonprofit legal service provider, is indirectly subject to the rules of professional conduct that have been adopted in every state except California.”

Avoiding Unauthorized Practice:

Even though paralegals do a lot of the administrative work within a firm, know the law, and work with clients, they are not lawyers. Paralegals cannot give legal advice, make decisions on behalf of clients, or represent clients in court as they are not licensed attorneys.

Conflicts of Interest:

Paralegals should be vigilant about identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest. This means working with friends, family, or someone that would even cloud the paralegal’s objective judgement. If they become aware of a conflict, they should inform their supervising attorney so that appropriate measures can be taken to manage the conflict.

Professionalism:

It is imperative that paralegals maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions. This includes being respectful to colleagues, clients, opposing parties, and court personnel. Any act unbecoming of a paralegal reflects back on the attorney and firm that the paralegal works with.

Client Communication:

While paralegals often communicate with clients, they should refrain from providing legal advice. They can relay information, schedule appointments, and address administrative matters, but any legal advice should come from a licensed attorney. Client communication should remain professional, and attorneys need to be made aware if a conflict of interest arises with the client and paralegal.

Continuing Education:

The legal world is always changing as political climates fluctuate, bills are written and turned into law, and policies shift. Staying updated on legal regulations, practices, and procedures is crucial for paralegals. Paralegals should look for ways to continue their education, stay up to date on certifications, and stay informed about legal changes. Engaging in continuing education opportunities helps paralegals provide the best support to attorneys and clients.

Reporting Ethics Violations:

Reporting wrong doings is especially important in the realm of law. Paralegals should always report ethics violations regardless if it involves clients, colleagues, or attorneys. This helps our justice system work as designed and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

American National University educates and prepares Paralegals to join the fast-paced legal field. Several of our classes focus on ethics in different areas of law and what our paralegal students will face within their career. Our students learn from legal professionals who have first-hand experience in the field. “The professors go down to the nitty-gritty of the gray lines [of law],” said by Paralegal Studies Certificate graduate, Megan Robinson. “They give us that personal advice that they already went through that will help us stay clear of what we shouldn’t be doing as paralegals.” To learn more about what you can learn in either our Paralegal certificate or Paralegal associate degree programs, go to an.edu.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

The post 7 Ethical Considerations for Paralegals appeared first on American National University.