Paralegal

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Paralegals, or legal assistants, help lawyers in their work. They perform some of the same tasks as lawyers. Paralegals do research to make sure that lawyers know all of the important facts.

Paralegals look up laws and past cases in books and on computers. Then, they write reports that lawyers use to help prepare their cases. They also keep track of the documents related to the case.

What paralegals do depends on where they work. For example, some paralegals help to write contracts and mortgages. Some help to prepare income tax returns and other financial documents.

Most paralegals work a typical 40-hour week. Most work year round, but some are only employed during busy times of the year. In law firms, some paralegals work very long hours. Most of their work is done at desks in offices and law libraries.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

There are several ways to become a paralegal. Most people go to a community college for a 2-year degree. A few schools offer bachelor's or master's degrees in paralegal studies. Some people become paralegals after getting a bachelor’s degree in something other than paralegal studies.

Some people learn on the job. Sometimes, legal secretaries become paralegals.

Paralegals need good research and writing skills. They should also be able to use computers. Paralegals often deal with the public, so they should be polite. They also have to be honest and ethical.

To start getting ready for this job, students can take English classes to learn how to write and do research. Social studies classes teach about research and the law. People who want to be paralegals need strong reading skills.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of paralegals and legal assistants earned between $33,920 and $54,690 in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $27,450. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $67,540.

Earnings of paralegals vary greatly. People who work for large firms or in big cities earn more.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Paralegals held about 238,000 jobs in 2006. Most worked for law firms. Others worked for private companies and governments.

What about the future?		Back to Top

The number of jobs for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Law firms will hire more paralegals to help lawyers prepare their cases. More people and businesses will need legal help. But many people like these jobs, so new workers are expected to face competition.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators
• Law clerks
• Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians
• Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about paralegals and legal assistants can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008