A University of Mississippi professor has published the third in a series of books aimed at improving the professionalism and sharpening the skills of paralegal professionals.
Robert Mongue, assistant professor of legal studies, is the editor of “The Empowered Paralegal Professionalism Anthology” (Carolina Academic Press), which is the third in a series. His “The Empowered Paralegal: Effective, Efficient, and Professional” and “The Empowered Paralegal: Working with the Elder Client” were published in 2009 and 2010, respectively. In 2012, he plans to publish “The Empowered Paralegal Cause of Action Handbook.”
First recognized in the 1960s, the paralegal profession is a fairly new profession that is still striving for recognition as a profession by lawyers, practitioners and the public. “The Empowered Paralegal Professionalism Anthology” provides articles on identity, regulation, education, qualifications, ethics and court recognition in a volume for practicing paralegals, paralegal educators and the legal profession in general.
According to Mongue, the paralegal profession is in transition, but when fully blossomed will provide an essential part of resolving the access to justice problem in the United States and internationally.
“I view my books as being part of the effort to assist in that transition by increasing the professionalism of individual practitioners, improving the education of prospective paralegals, and addressing issues central to the maturation of the profession in a way that will position it to assist in providing access to justice to the American public,” Mongue said.
The book begins with an overview of paralegal’s professional identity, then goes on to examine each element of that identity, including education, regulation, professional ethics and the attorney-paralegal relationship.
“This important book addresses issues that either are or should be at the forefront of every discussion of the paralegal professional today,” said Toni Marsh, director of the George Washington University paralegal studies program. “Paralegals are beginning to acknowledge the heights they attained, but they have lacked a major scholarly treatise that has examined the profession in a systematic and insightful way. This book provides that scholarly examination.”
“The Empowered Paralegal Professionalism Anthology” combines peer-reviewed and edited contributions from current paralegal educators, with articles from the 1980s and ’90s for historical context, current commentary from paralegal practitioners, materials from and relating to paralegal professional associations, and court cases that are relevant for the studies and for understanding to the paralegal practice.
“This book will provide the intellectual framework for discussions that will take place throughout the professional sphere,” Marsh said.
“The Empowered Paralegal Cause of Action Handbook” is designed to be helpful for any course in civil litigation as a helpful guide for practicing paralegals.
For more information on Mongue’s book series, visit his website.