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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Paralegals.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Paralegals.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 14%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Before embarking on the path to becoming a paralegal, it's important to have a clear understanding of what the role entails. Paralegals assist attorneys in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other legal settings by performing tasks such as:
To become a paralegal, you'll typically need to complete formal education. Here are common educational paths:
Selecting an accredited paralegal program is crucial for ensuring a quality education that is recognized by employers. Look for programs accredited by organizations such as the American Bar Association (ABA).
Hands-on experience is invaluable. Consider the following opportunities:
While not always required, professional certification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate commitment to the field. Explore options such as:
Staying current with the latest legal developments is essential. Engage in:
Building a network within the legal community can lead to job opportunities and career growth. Tactics include:
Consider specializing in an area of law that interests you or is in high demand, such as:
By focusing your skills in a niche area, you may increase your marketability and have the opportunity to work on more complex cases.
Embarking on a career as a paralegal involves a combination of education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development. By following these steps and staying engaged with the legal community, you can establish a successful and fulfilling career as a paralegal.
To become a paralegal, the minimum education typically required is an associate's degree in paralegal studies from a community college or a bachelor's degree in another field with a certificate in paralegal studies. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or law-related fields. Additionally, many paralegals continue their education through advanced certificates or master's degree programs to specialize in specific areas of law.
While certification is not always required to work as a paralegal, obtaining certification can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field. Organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offer voluntary certification exams. Some states may also have their own certification or registration requirements for paralegals.
Yes, paralegals can choose to specialize in areas such as:
Specialization often requires additional training or experience in the chosen area of law.
The career progression for a paralegal can vary, but it often follows this general path:
Some paralegals also transition into other legal careers, such as becoming a lawyer after completing law school.
The demand for paralegals is generally strong, as law firms and organizations seek cost-effective solutions for legal services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Factors such as increased business activity, changing laws, and an emphasis on legal compliance across various industries contribute to this demand.
Paralegals work in a variety of environments including:
Work settings can range from small local practices to large international corporations or government entities.
To stay current with legal changes, paralegals should:
Remote work opportunities for paralegals have become more common, particularly after the increase in remote work arrangements across various industries. Remote work suitability depends on the employer's policies, the nature of the work involved, and the ability to access necessary tools and resources from home.