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

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

More Legal Careers

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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

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