Paralegal

Lawyers supervise paralegals, also known as legal assistants. Paralegals conduct legal research, prepare trial notes, interview clients, assist with legal briefs, review and update files, and draft documents.

Paralegals have traditionally been trained on the job, but many paralegals are now being trained in programs offered by community colleges, business schools, and universities. Students must take general education and legal courses.

Legal assistants usually do not need to be certified, but the Certifying Board of Legal Assistants of the National Association of Legal Assistants offers legal assistants the opportunity to take a 2 day test to become certified.

Special Skills

Paralegals are required to prepare documents for their supervising attorneys while meeting deadlines and writing clearly. Legal assistants need good listening skills since they interview clients. Speaking a foreign language is helpful. Paralegals must honor client confidentiality, have computer and word processing skills, and be effective researchers.

Salary and Benefits

Paralegal salaries vary depending on job responsibilities, location, and their attorney’s legal specialty. Paralegals in smaller firms usually earn between $1,300-1,800 monthly while experienced paralegals working for the federal government earn between $20,000-25,000 annually. In 1994, The National Association of Legal Assistants discovered that the average annually salary of legal assistants was $31,000. Attorneys usually provide paralegals with benefits.

Working Conditions

Paralegals spend most of their days in offices or libraries. Paralegals meet clients at their homes or businesses and assist attorneys in the courtroom. Typically, they work 40 hour weeks but often work extra to meet deadlines.

Job Outlook

Job growth for paralegals is excellent. There are currently 111,000 paralegals in the United States, and job opportunities for graduates with a degree are excellent.

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