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I like the class idea best because if you skip a class, people will be like "why weren't you here last Tuesday?!" Lol but a good video works.

I recommend this one: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fp%2F30497218

A class is going to walk you through proper form/posture when doing all the moves, but when you get the form down, the dvd will be awesomely helpful.

I'm also a huge fan of the thickest yoga mats, you can find them at ross for $15.

And! look into your local college for pilates classes, it is sometimes cheaper than the gym or a pilates studio. It's usually twice a week... but don't quote me.

I also recommend this chair

Chair Monk - Ergonomic Kneeling Chair - Kneeling Chair with Thick Comfortable Memory Foam Cushion - Adjustable Work Chair - Kneeling Stool with Angled Posture and Kneeling Pad - Includes Back Support https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHN2LMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_muTIDbY96Q8KY

🙂❤

Hi there!! I'm so sorry for the delay in responding, I am just now seeing your message!

I honestly think that you could study from the review manual and mock exam book on your own and pass the test, especially since you have legal experience. You can retake any individual sections you don't pass, and I think you get a two year window to pass all five sections. Also, having bachelors degrees gives you an advantage because your writing and test-taking skills are probably more advanced than people who don't have college degrees. NALA doesn't say that they grade on a curve, but I have a feeling they adjust the required scores to pass for each testing window based on how the pool of test takers does.

I read each chapter and took notes, then took the practice exams to see which areas I needed to go back and study more. If there was a topic that confused me, I Googled it online. You can find informative YouTube videos geared specifically for the CP exam.

I studied for about a year, although I didn't really crack down until the last six months. I think the next testing window is in January. I think it would be overwhelming to try to get through all the material in just a couple months, but maybe you are more knowledgeable than I am and won't find the material as daunting. The legal questions are on federal law, but you also have to have strong grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.

You can buy/rent the review book and mock exam on Amazon: CP Study Guide and Mock Examination https://www.amazon.com/dp/1285193245/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o8-fyb6DCKPCV
Certified Paralegal Review Manual: A Practical Guide to CP Exam Preparation https://www.amazon.com/dp/1285162587/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wf.fyb7R09G0D


The review course I took was in-person through the Central Florida Paralegal Association. CFPA doesn't offer online reviews, but I suggest researching your area to see if there is a local paralegal association that offers reviews. Also any community/state college or university that offers a legal studies program or something comparable would probably either have a review course you could take or resources to help you find one. Like I said in my original comment, I didn't find the particular review course I took to be extremely helpful, but it's worth looking into especially if you can find one that is reasonably priced.

Good luck, feel free to message me with further questions and I will try to answer more promptly!

I freelanced for about a year - it was a wonderful experience, and one I one I look forward to in the future. The flexibility is the best part - you can as much or as little work as you want. I anticipate freelancing after we have kids as I don't think the daily grind is going to mesh with my goals for motherhood, it's also great for anyone interested in the digital nomad lifestyle.

She may want to look at this book: https://smile.amazon.com/Become-Freelance-Paralegal-Kristina-Bynum-ebook/dp/B0095KJ8OK?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top

It's definitely geared more towards someone who has experience and actually knows how to be a paralegal and is capable of working with minimal guidance.

I don't feel it put me at a disadvantage, per se, but I think some bigger firms would have given me an interview had I had one. The firm I work at now is medium-sized (8 attorneys working in various fields and capacities) and looking back I'm actually glad I work at a smaller firm, so do with that what you will. As for getting your certification and/or getting it paid for, I'm not sure how common it is for a firm to pay an LA to get their paralegal certification, my firm just happens to cover any/all CLE expenses (stands for Continued Learning & Education, something required annually for CP's and attorneys) and my office manager concluded that my getting certified could qualify as a CLE. As for getting certified through an ABA-approved program, I would say that that's crucial if you're going to go to the trouble of getting certified at all. I'm getting certified through NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) and using [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1285193245/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to study. Compared to a college class, taking the exam to get certified through NALA is pretty cheap ($275) I'd say, but everyone's financial situation is different. In the end, I don't see why if you have decent grades a firm looking for an entry-level LA wouldn't hire you. Whether or not you get certified as a paralegal is a matter of personal preference. Assuming you're looking to work in VA, [this link] (https://www.paralegaledu.org/virginia/) might be helpful. Hope all this helps!

Seems generic, but also kinda funny if mugs are a good thing for them. The link is a coffee mug that says "Please Advise" and it made me chuckle.

https://www.amazon.com/Please-Advise-Thanksgiving-Christmas-Gift-11/dp/B07LCH4NW9/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=please+advise+mug&qid=1573077077&sprefix=Please+advise&sr=8-4

My advice would be to get the NALA guide: http://www.amazon.com/NALA-Manual-Paralegals-Legal-Assistants/dp/1435400259

It prepares you for what the NALA Certification test will be like, while giving you an idea of what most Paralegal courses will cover.

Also, develop your critical thinking skills. An excellent source I have found is to listen to the audio of oral arguments from the courts of appeals and the supreme court; follow along the arguments made, listen to what the justices ask.

Read as much as you can, SCOTUS opinions are plentiful, and are good for familiarizing yourself with legal writing in general (However, be careful not to emulate them too much, judges are notorious for ignoring accepted rules of legal writing in order to make their point).

Practice your writing skills at every opportunity, get a copy of the Bluebook and start briefing cases.

Get one of these for the office and stick it in a drawer somewhere.

I’ve had attorneys hand me client files, depositions and old property reports on floppies quite a few times.

Paralegal Study Guide: Test Prep and Practice Questions for the CLA-CP Exam https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940978858/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7PyxDbJ3HBSXH

I doubt it’s the best study guide available, but it has a lot of relevant info and is cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RXEWOAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KwXtDb74QPAY8

only $13.99?! that might be what we have to do. But the attoreny is meeting with the clients again today. I'm gonna punt and explain to the idiots old people computers don't have 3.5" drives anymore and this won't be here until Monday.

(Then once I get it you know damn well us under 40 in my office are booting up this and making the firm pay for it!)

Hey! I'm not sure if I can be of help, as I'm not a bigger gal, but I started developing some really awful sciatic nerve pain at my paralegal job, and I bought the cushion that I'm linking below from Amazon end of 2017, and it is still working wonders for me. It helps align your hips and keep pressure off your lumbar spine and coccyx.

This is the cushion that I use
ComfiLife Coccyx Orthopedic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TLSFA6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hope this helps!!