What is a paralegal?
A paralegal is like a superhero’s sidekick but for lawyers! They don’t make court decisions or give legal advice, but they do tons of important stuff to help lawyers get ready for court, meet with clients, and handle paperwork. Paralegals dig into research, put together documents, and make sure everything’s lined up for trials and big meetings. They work in all areas of law, from family drama to tech secrets, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Duties and responsibilities
Paralegals are busy bees! They gather facts, sort out documents, and help build a strong case for trials. They’re the masters of organization—keeping files tidy, lining up meetings, and making sure all the legal stuff is spot on. Sometimes, they even chat directly with clients and help manage their cases, all under a lawyer’s watchful eye.
Work environment
Most paralegals work in offices at law firms, big companies, government spots, or charities. It’s a fast-moving job where they work closely with lawyers and other legal folks, spending lots of time on their computers researching and prepping for cases. It’s super important for them to keep things confidential and stick to their ethical guns.
Typical work hours
Paralegals usually work regular office hours from Monday to Friday, but sometimes they need to stay late or work weekends, especially if they’re helping get ready for a trial or rushing to meet deadlines. Even though it can be a stretch at times, the job is really fulfilling because they play a big part in the legal world.
How to become a paralegal
Thinking about becoming a paralegal? It’s a great way to dive into the world of law without being a lawyer. Here’s how you can get started on this exciting path:
Step 1: Finish high school
First things first, you need to graduate from high school or get your GED. Taking classes in English, history, government, and economics can really help you later on.
Step 2: Get educated
Next up, hit the books in a legal studies program. You can go for a two-year associate’s degree or even a four-year bachelor’s degree if you’re feeling ambitious. Some programs also offer a special paralegal certificate to give you a crash course in all things legal.
Step 3: Rack up some real-world experience
Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Try to get a hands-on internship or even a starter job at a law firm or government office. It’s a perfect way to see what the legal world is really like.
Step 4: Consider getting certified (it’s optional)
Want to stand out in the job market? Getting certified as a paralegal can help. There are exams you can take, like the Certified Paralegal Exam, that show you know your stuff.
Step 5: Start job hunting
With your education and experience in hand, it’s time to look for a job. Law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies are all on the lookout for sharp paralegals like you.
Step 6: Keep learning and growing
Even after you snag a job, keep learning. The world of law changes fast, so staying updated through courses and learning new tech skills can keep you ahead of the game.
How much do paralegals make?
Paralegal salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Factors like the size and prestige of the law firm, the range and complexity of legal cases handled, and specific areas of legal specialization can also affect their compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Federal Executive Branch: $73,490
- Scientific Research and Development Services: $72,120
- Computer Systems Design: $70,760
- Software Publishers: $68,730
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $68,130
Highest paying states
- California: $74,720
- New York: $72,750
- Massachusetts: $70,400
- Illinois: $69,830
- Connecticut: $68,170
The average national salary for a Paralegal is:
$67,370
Types of paralegals
If you’re thinking about becoming a paralegal, there are several cool areas you can specialize in. Here’s a look at some popular types of paralegal jobs:
Corporate paralegal
These paralegals are the behind-the-scenes stars in the business world. They help prepare important documents, deal with government filings, and play a key role in big deals like mergers or company buyouts.
Litigation paralegal
If you like courtroom drama, this might be for you. Litigation paralegals help lawyers during trials by managing loads of paperwork, digging up legal rules, and keeping everything organized so the legal team can shine in court.
Real estate paralegal
These paralegals deal with property stuff—like drafting contracts for buying or selling houses and making sure all the paperwork is perfect. They help smooth out any bumps in property transactions.
Estate planning paralegal
Interested in helping people plan for the future? Estate planning paralegals work with lawyers to create wills and trusts, making sure that everything is set up correctly for people’s life after they’re gone.
Immigration paralegal
These paralegals have a super important job helping people navigate the immigration process. They fill out lots of forms, talk to clients in different languages, and keep up with ever-changing immigration laws.
Top skills for paralegals
Want to rock the paralegal job? Here are some key skills you’ll need to thrive:
Research skills
You’ll become a detective in the world of law. Your mission? To dive deep into case files, laws, and regulations, picking out the crucial info that helps your team win cases. Being fast and thorough with your research is a must.
Writing skills
You’ll do a lot of writing—like drafting contracts and court documents. The goal? To make complex legal jargon easy for everyone to understand, while being super precise and paying attention to the tiniest details.
Organization skills
Paralegals juggle a lot. You might handle multiple cases at once, each with its own stack of files and deadlines. Keeping everything organized and on track is key to making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Analytical skills
You’ll need to be sharp when it comes to breaking down big chunks of information into something clear and simple. This skill helps in crafting solid arguments and making sure the legal team’s strategies are on point.
Ethical judgement
Trust and confidentiality are huge in law. You’ll need to be trustworthy and able to handle sensitive information carefully. Knowing what’s right and wrong legally will keep you and your firm out of trouble.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of paralegal job openings and apply today
Paralegal career path options
Thinking about becoming a paralegal? It’s not just a job; it’s the start of a journey with tons of directions you can take!
Starting out
When you first start, you’ll be in a support role, learning the ropes from seasoned pros. You’ll handle tasks like managing case files, digging up important legal info, and putting together documents. It’s your chance to get a solid foundation in the law field.
Moving up
As you get the hang of things, you’ll start to take on more responsibilities and tackle more complicated cases. If you’re really into leading and helping others grow, you might step up to become a senior or supervising paralegal. In this role, you’ll oversee other paralegals and might even help hire and train newbies.
Specializing
If you have a particular area of law that fascinates you, like real estate or immigration, you can become an expert. Getting specialized training can bump up your paycheck and might even let you start your own legal consulting gig.
Beyond paralegal
And guess what? Being a paralegal can be a great launchpad for becoming a lawyer. If that’s your dream, you’ll need to head back to school for law and pass some tough exams. Or, you might find yourself working in a big company, keeping an eye on compliance and regulations.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for paralegals
Jumping into a paralegal career? You’re looking at a field that’s growing fast! Here’s what’s trending:
- Smart choice: Businesses and law firms are always trying to save money, and that means relying more and more on paralegals to handle a bunch of important jobs. This shift is pushing them to take on bigger, more complex tasks and break new ground in the legal world.
- Tech-savvy is the way to go: Thanks to cool tech advances, today’s paralegals need to be wizards with legal software and online research. Being tech-savvy isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential!
- Specialize and shine: With new laws popping up in healthcare, the environment, and data privacy, there are tons of areas to specialize in. This is great because it means you can find a niche that really interests you and become an expert.
Employment projections
Thinking about the future? The outlook is bright! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs is expected to jump by about 14% through 2031. That’s way faster than a lot of other jobs. As paralegals start doing more diverse tasks, the demand for smart, skilled people like you is only going to increase.
Paralegal career tips
Get the full picture
Understanding what being a paralegal involves is crucial. You’ll help lawyers with everything from research and drafting documents to prepping for big trials. Knowing what’s expected of you makes it easier to excel and impress.
Become a research and writing pro
Two of the biggest tasks you’ll tackle are legal research and writing. Sharpening these skills can seriously boost your impact on a case. So, invest time in getting better at digging up facts and presenting them clearly.
Keep up with the law
Law changes all the time. To stay on top of your game, keep up with the latest updates in your area of law. Read blogs, attend workshops, or take courses on recent changes.
Gain real experience
Nothing beats real-world experience. Whether it’s through internships or entry-level jobs, getting hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of the law and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Network like a boss
Creating connections within the legal world can open up future opportunities. To meet other legal pros, attend conferences and join groups like:
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
Never stop learning
The legal field is always evolving, so continuous learning is key. Keep up with law magazines, attend seminars, and consider Continuing Legal Education courses to stay sharp.
Consider certifications
Boosting your credentials with certifications like the Certified Paralegal (CP) or Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) can help you move up in your career and show your commitment to the field.
Where the paralegal jobs are
Top employers
- Jones Day
- Kirkland & Ellis
- Latham & Watkins
- Baker McKenzie
- White & Case
Top states
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal?
You typically need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field. A certificate program in paralegal studies is another option. You can also opt for a bachelor’s degree in a different field and then complete a paralegal certificate program. On-the-job experience can be just as important as formal education, so internships and entry-level positions that offer training are beneficial. Soft skills like research ability, attention to detail, communication skills, and ethical judgment are also important.
What kind of law should I specialize in as a paralegal?
The kind of law you should specialize in depends on your interests and long-term career goals. Some prefer family law, while others might enjoy corporate, criminal, environmental, or estate law. Exploring different areas of law through internships or entry-level jobs is advisable to decide what suits you best.
Is a licensing or certification necessary for a paralegal?
While a license is not typically required, some employers may prefer or require paralegal certification. The certification process usually involves a combination of education, work experience, and passing an examination. Requirements may vary by state, so it’s important to research what is expected in your specific location.
What are the primary tasks and responsibilities for a paralegal on a daily basis?
Their typical daily tasks include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, organizing and maintaining files, and communicating with clients. They might also assist attorneys with trial preparation, including evidence and witness coordination. They generally perform numerous administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and keeping track of deadlines.
What skills are important for a paralegal to be successful?
In addition to a broad understanding of law and legal terminology, they need strong communication skills, research and investigative skills, and organizational abilities. They must be able to work well as part of a team, demonstrate discretion when dealing with sensitive information, and be proficient in using standard office software programs and legal research platforms.
How is the work-life balance for a paralegal?
Work-life balance can vary greatly depending on the type of law one specializes in and the individual employer. Some may put in long hours, particularly when preparing for trials, while others might experience more regular hours. Most positions offer typical business hours, but overtime can occasionally be necessary.
Are there opportunities for remote work or freelancing for paralegals?
Yes, there can be, particularly in today’s increasingly digital work landscape. Freelance and contract-based work is available for those who wish to work independently. Additionally, more firms are adopting remote work policies, allowing them to work from home part-time or full-time.
Can the role of a paralegal lead to becoming an attorney?
Yes, many people use this role as a stepping stone toward becoming an attorney. The experience and knowledge gained can provide a strong foundation for law school and the eventual practice of law. However, becoming an attorney requires additional education and passing the bar exam.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a paralegal?
The most rewarding aspect can differ from person to person. Some might find satisfaction in the detailed research and preparation tasks that go into supporting a successful legal case. Others may find fulfillment in the ability to help clients through difficult legal issues. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the law and its implications can also be intellectually rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges of being a paralegal?
Their work can be quite demanding, with tight deadlines and the need for extreme attention to detail. Dealing with clients going through difficult situations can be emotionally taxing. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of constantly changing laws and regulations can also be daunting, but it is essential for success in the field.