Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Annual Wage: $48,350

Education: Bachelor's degree (44%); Associate's degree (30%); Some college, no degree (12%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Law Clerk; Summer Law Associate; Paralegal; Legal Assistant; Real Estate Paralegal; Legal Analyst; Paralegal Specialist; Certified Paralegal; Immigration Paralegal; Legal Clerk

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

More Legal Careers

  • 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.
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
  • File pleadings with court clerk.
  • Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Search Local Job Listings

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer