Synonyms: Legal Assistants, Legal Administrative Assistants, Paralegal

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Paralegal
• Specialties
• Advice from Laura

Quick Facts

What Paralegals do:

Paralegals assist lawyers by organizing files, researching laws, and preparing documents to ensure everything is ready for trials and meetings. They gather evidence, draft contracts, and coordinate court logistics.

Median income:

$60,970 annually or $29.31 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Paralegals mainly work in office settings, often as part of a team with attorneys, and occasionally travel for tasks like attending trials. Their work can be fast-paced and stressful, requiring them to juggle multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Education requirements:

Formal education and certifications are highly preferred by law firms and in-house legal departments, but are not strictly necessary. Candidates with a high school diploma and relevant experience are welcome to the field (see “How to Become a Paralegal” below).

Job outlook:

The future of the paralegal career looks bright, with employment projected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032 and about 38,000 job openings annually.

This is perfect for you if:

• You have a conventional personality type, meaning you like being organized and have a preference for structured tasks and environment
• You have a strong interest in law and want to work in the legal field
• You love researching and solving problems

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Laura Bustamante to learn more about being a Paralegal here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Start their day early, review calendars and emails, spend 70% of their time on solo tasks, 30% collaborating with colleagues, and usually work full time.

Setting:

Work full-time in office settings for law firms, in-house legal departments for big corporations, or government agencies, wearing business attire to reflect the professional environment.

Tasks:

Gather case facts, research laws, organize legal documents, draft letters, and contracts, and assist lawyers during trials by handling exhibits and taking notes. They also schedule meetings, file legal paperwork, and meet with clients to discuss case details.

Topics:

Legal procedures, regulations, governmental processes, and administrative tasks such as word processing and record management to support lawyers and legal teams effectively.

Skills:

Strong reading comprehension for understanding legal documents, active listening to grasp client details, precise writing, and strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases and deadlines. 

Tools:

Computers, office phones, printers, and tablets for daily tasks. Specialized software like document management systems, Adobe Acrobat, word processors (such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs), and legal research tools like LexisNexis and Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS to efficiently manage and process legal documents and information.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Clear communication, problem-solving, reasoning, organizational skills, effective deadline management, attention to detail, a willingness to learn from mistakes, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Interests:

Managing, negotiating, advising, organizing information and following procedures in legal and business contexts.

Personality:

Conventional, investigative, and enterprising personalities. They thrive on following procedures, organizing information, and supporting legal initiatives.

Values:

Relationships, favorable working conditions, job security, providing service and collaborating with others in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Paralegal

Education requirements:

Associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, although some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. While formal education and certifications are advantageous, entry into the field is also possible for individuals with relevant experience and a high school diploma.

Preferred majors:

Aspiring paralegals commonly pursue an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, while some employers favor candidates with a bachelor’s degree in fields such as social science or business, often supplemented by a paralegal certificate.

Specialties

• Corporate Law
• Litigation
• Real Estate
• Family Law
• Intellectual Property
• Immigration
• Estate Planning

Advice from Laura

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Start by building connections through internships and networking events while in school. Do a lot of research within the field to identify local firms and specialties. Utilize resources like Martindale-Hubbell and consider joining professional organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants to network and seek opportunities.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles and continuously learn about legal procedures to expedite entry into the field.

Recommended resources:

Laura recommends “Fireproof” by Mike Morse and John Nachazel, a book about the challenges and triumphs of building a legal business. Additionally, she suggests exploring resources that provide insights into legal procedures, investigative methods, and professional growth.

What Laura would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“Be patient, stay dedicated, and strive to balance work and home life.” 

Watch the full interview with Laura:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 24 June 2024.

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