Paralegal Career
Paralegals are delegated much of their work by lawyers, some of them performing many of the same tasks. Duties that are particularly important include assisting lawyers as they prepare for trials, hearings, closings, and corporate meetings.
A paralegal gathers and analyzes research data, investigates laws and facts of previous cases, and researches relevant sources in order to prepare for cases. In addition, paralegals assist with the preparation of legal documents, correspondence, and arguments.
Paralegal Career Assessment
Take our Paralegal career assessment. This 30 question quiz let’s you know if you’re cut out for a career as a paralegal by analyzing your abilities, skills, and interests.
Paralegal Snapshot
Paralegals, often called Legal Assistants, aid lawyers by helping them prepare for trials and hearings. While paralegals cannot give legal advice, they can perform much of the research and legal paperwork needed to prepare for trials. If you choose a career as a legal assistant or paralegal, you will likely prepare reports, correspondence, draft legal documents, coordinate research, and review legal forms for accuracy. Seven out of 10 paralegals work in a law firm.
You can find out more details on a career as a paralegal below (statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average earnings for paralegals per year.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree, 30% have an Associate’s.
Paralegal Education
Although there are no official requirements to become a paralegal at this time, most do have formal training often in the form of a degree. Most paralegals have either an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies or a Bachelor’s Degree in another field along with a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Paralegal Job Outlook
According to the BLS.gov, paralegal careers are expected to increase by 8% between 2014 and 2024 which is about as fast as the average occupation.
Paralegal Salaries
According to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program, the average annual salary for paralegals in May 2015 was $48,810. Salaries can range from $30,670 on the low end to more than $79,010 on the high end. Learn more about paralegal salaries.
Paralegal Job Duties
If you choose a career as a legal assistant, you will have to perform legal prep work for attorneys including researching, investigating, and preparing legal documentation. Paralegals can do many tasks, but may not give legal advice, set legal fees, and present cases in courts of law.
Paralegal Career
The following table presents a few of the ideal skills and abilities possessed by individuals considering a career as a paralegal.
Paralegal Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Paralegals: | Typical Work Activities: |
---|---|---|---|
•Reading Comprehension •Active Listening •Speaking •Writing •Critical Thinking •Time Management •Active Learning •Coordination | •Oral Comprehension •Oral Expression •Written Comprehension •Written Expression •Near Vision •Speech Clarity •Information Ordering | •Desktop Computers •Fax Machines •Notebook Computers •Photocopiers •Scanners | •Interacting With Computers •Getting Information •Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work |
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