Paralegal

Your Fit

Income

$61K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Paralegal?

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks including legal research, document preparation, and case management. They play an essential role in the legal process, helping to make legal services more efficient and accessible.

Sample job titles:

Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk, Paralegal, Paralegal Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Paralegal.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Paralegal earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$48K per year	$61K per year	$78K per year	$99K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Paralegal do?

Work environment

Paralegals work primarily in law offices, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Their work environment is typically an office setting, although they may also visit courtrooms, law libraries, or other locations as required for legal research or case preparation.

Quick task list

Conducts legal research and gathers pertinent case information.
Drafts legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings.
Organizes and maintains documents in a case management system.
Assists lawyers in preparing for trials, hearings, and meetings.
Communicates with clients and other legal professionals.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Corporate Paralegal: Specializing in corporate law, assisting with business transactions, and regulatory compliance.
Litigation Paralegal: Focusing on trial preparation and support in civil and criminal litigation.
Real Estate Paralegal: Dealing with real estate transactions, property transfers, and zoning issues.
Family Law Paralegal: Assisting with divorce, custody, and other family law matters.
Immigration Paralegal: Specializing in immigration law, helping with visa applications, and citizenship paperwork.

Description

Paralegals play a vital role in the legal system, offering crucial support to lawyers and helping to streamline the legal process. They must be knowledgeable about legal terminology, procedures, and documentation. Paralegals need strong research and writing skills to effectively prepare legal documents and assist in case preparation. They often handle sensitive or confidential information, requiring a high degree of discretion and integrity.

The role of a paralegal requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. Paralegals must be proficient in legal research tools and case management software. They often interact with clients, witnesses, and other legal professionals, making good communication skills essential.

This career can be rewarding for those interested in the law, offering a blend of administrative and substantive legal work. Paralegals often have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of law, allowing for career growth and expertise development in areas of personal interest.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the effective operation of the legal system.
Diverse and intellectually stimulating work .
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.

You might make a good Paralegal if you are...

Detail-oriented and organized, with a strong ability to manage multiple tasks.
Interested in law and legal processes.
A strong communicator, both in writing and verbally.
Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Skilled in research and comfortable with technology.

Pros:

Varied and engaging work with opportunities for specialization.
Potential for career growth and advancement within the legal field.
Intellectual stimulation from working on diverse legal issues.

Cons:

Can involve high-pressure situations, especially when meeting tight legal deadlines.
May require long hours, particularly during trial preparation or critical phases of case work.
The need to constantly stay updated with changes in laws and legal procedures.

How to become a Paralegal

Typical education

Most paralegal positions require an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in any field combined with a certificate in paralegal studies. This equates to 2-4 years of post-secondary education, depending on the chosen path.

High school preparation

Courses:

English and writing courses to develop strong communication skills.
Social studies or government classes to gain a basic understanding of legal systems.
Computer literacy courses to become proficient in various software and research tools.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in debate clubs or mock trial teams.
Volunteering at legal aid clinics or community legal services.
Internships or part-time jobs in law offices.

Preparation after high school

Obtain an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree followed by a paralegal certificate.
Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in legal settings.
Consider certification from organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Develop expertise in specific areas of law through continued education and professional development.

More resources

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) - Provides certification and continuing education resources.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) - Offers resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
American Bar Association - Legal Career Central - Offers career guidance and resources for legal professionals.
Paralegal Today - A magazine and online resource providing industry news, articles, and information relevant to paralegals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.