Paralegal
A paralegal is a professional who supports attorneys by conducting research, preparing legal documents, and assisting with various legal tasks essential for judicial proceedings and corporate matters. They typically engage in fundamental administrative duties early in their careers, gradually taking on more complex responsibilities, including advising attorneys and participating in trials. Paralegals usually work in a fast-paced office environment, often managing multiple cases simultaneously and may also conduct research in quieter law libraries. Although they cannot practice law or provide legal advice directly to clients, paralegals play a crucial role within the legal system and are seen as valuable contributors to the legal process.
To pursue a career as a paralegal, individuals often obtain an associate's degree or a four-year degree with coursework in legal studies. Educational pathways may include specialized training programs and certifications, with ongoing professional development opportunities available. Paralegals are essential in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporations, and interact with a range of professionals, from attorneys to clients. This career path can lead to advanced roles, including managerial positions or further education to become licensed attorneys.
Paralegal
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Law, Public Safety & Security
Interests: Law, legal system, research, political science, investigation, administrative tasks
Earnings (Yearly Median): $59,200 per year $28.46 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Paralegals are professionals who provide background research and other assistance to attorneys. They help attorneys prepare for judicial hearings, trials, corporate or client meetings, and other legal tasks. Much of their preparatory work involves researching laws and legal decisions, preparing briefs, contracts, and agreements, and assembling other legal or otherwise documents for use during the trial process or some other function, such as a real estate transaction. Paralegals generally begin their careers performing fundamental research and administrative tasks. As they become more experienced, their responsibilities expand significantly, and they may advise attorneys on the best course of action, attend trials and hearings, and prepare arguments.
Work Environment. Paralegals typically work a standard forty-hour week as employees of private law firms, government agency offices, educational institutions, the military, and corporations, although they may be expected to work as many as sixty to eighty hours per week in large firms or when handling an important case. During their workdays, paralegals often manage multiple tasks as the caseload requires. In addition to their work in an office setting, paralegals may spend a great deal of time in law libraries researching judicial decisions, statutes, and other legal information. As they become more experienced, paralegals may be drawn into more time-consuming and high-profile casework. Such work may require that they travel for business, conduct client interviews, and attend hearings and off-site meetings.
Occupation Interest. Paralegals are essential contributors to the legal field. Although paralegals are prohibited from practicing law, much of their work is viewed as similar to that of attorneys. Therefore, paralegals can be part of the dynamic world of law without obtaining a law degree. Individuals interested in becoming paralegals enjoy research, studying, working within the legal system, and helping others.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Paralegals may have a very diverse set of responsibilities depending on the field of law in which they work. As they help attorneys prepare for trials, paralegals collect and organize all case facts, locate relevant case laws and past court decisions, assist with depositions, and obtain affidavits or sworn testimony. Paralegals often prepare this information as detailed reports for the attorneys’ use. They also draft litigation documents and notes for arguments. More experienced paralegals may join the attorney in the courtroom, keeping their documentation readily available.
Outside the courtroom, paralegals assist in creating a wide range of legal documents, including patent papers, mortgages, contracts, and divorce settlement or separation papers. In corporate settings, paralegals are responsible for compiling employee benefits, shareholder agreements, and other packages of relevance to the business. A paralegal who works in a government office or in an office that provides legal assistance to the economically disadvantaged may prepare law guides, provide nonlegal guidance to clients, and file legal documents.
Because paralegals are not required to pass the bar exam, they are not permitted to provide legal guidance directly to clients, provide arguments in the courtroom, or authorize any legal tasks. However, many consider the work of a paralegal to be just as demanding and important as that of a practicing attorney, and many paralegals eventually use their knowledge of the law and the legal system to enter law school and become practicing attorneys. Other paralegals continue on to managerial-level positions within their organizations.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Paralegals typically work in an office environment. These locations are generally very active, with multiple meetings, projects, and activities occurring independently. The environment can be fast-paced and often hectic. Paralegals also often perform research in considerably quieter law libraries. Paralegals are rarely exposed to dangerous substances or situations, although confrontations between disputing parties can be contentious.
Human Environment. Paralegals must work with many professionals as part of a law office, government agency, educational institution, military branch, or corporation. They work most closely with attorneys and often support several attorneys at once. They also interact with witnesses, clients, legal experts, interns, and administrative professionals.
Technological Environment. Paralegals must be familiar with basic office technology, particularly computer systems. They need to learn several software programs for writing projects, spreadsheets, document storage (such as those used for scanning hard copies), and presentations.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal are encouraged to take courses that develop their writing skills, such as journalism. They will also need to study many fundamental areas of law, such as political science, sociology, philosophy, economics, and history. They may also take business classes to help them apply their skills as a paralegal in a corporate environment.
Postsecondary. Those interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal should consider enrolling in an educational program that the American Bar Association approves, as this may be a prerequisite for employment. Many paralegal professionals receive an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, but a four-year degree with some legal coursework is the modern standard. Those who receive a degree through a four-year college can also obtain certificates in paralegal studies from several educational institutions. A large number of law schools, universities, and other schools offer formal training programs as well. Master's degrees in paralegal studies, legal studies, or legal administration are also available through some institutions. Part-time programs and distance-learning opportunities also exist for those with daytime work commitments.
General courses on legal ethics, research and writing, and litigation, as well as subject-specific legal topics are common. Internships and co-ops may be available through some educational programs.
Related Occupations
− Lawyer
Bibliography
Currier, Katherine A., and Thomas E. Eimermann. Introduction to Law for Paralegals: A Critical Thinking Approach. 8th ed., Aspen, 2023.
Goldman, Thomas F., and Henry R. Cheeseman. The Paralegal Professional. 6th ed., Prentice, 2021.
Haworth, Anita G., and Lesley G. Cox. The Paralegal's Handbook. Updated and rev. ed., Kaplan, 2010.
National Association of Legal Assistants. NALA Manual for Paralegals and Legal Assistants: A General Skills and Litigation Guide for Today's Professionals. 6th ed., Delmar, 2015.
"Paralegals and Legal Assistants." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.