Paralegals: The Backbone to Law Firms
Paralegals are the glue that holds law firms together.
While paralegals do not have a law degree, they work alongside lawyers to help them deliver legal services.
Paralegals do a large portion of the administrative work related to preparing for trial, drafting legal documents, and performing legal research.
Being a paralegal is an excellent entry-level position that can give you a sense of what the legal profession is for you.
With projected job growth of 12% in the next ten years, this is a promising job that can open many doors and lead to an even brighter future.
Paralegal Job Information
| Official Job Title | Paralegal |
| Average Salary | $51,118 |
| Stress Level | High |
| Work/Life | Low |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | Average |
Paralegal Job Description
What Is A Paralegal?
A paralegal, sometimes also called a legal assistant, is a person who assists lawyers and other legal professionals in their day-to-day tasks.
They conduct a significant amount of research and paperwork to help their legal counterparts.
Paralegals can also specialize in a particular legal area, which allows them to get paid more.
Legal niches include intellectual property, real estate, immigration, litigation, and more.
They prepare legal documents such as briefs, affidavits, wills, contracts, and appeals.
Paralegals understand legal terminology and are familiar with statutes, treaties, and legal codes.
What Does A Paralegal Do Daily?
Daily, paralegals will meet with prospective clients and see if the firm they work for can meet their needs.
Afterward, the paralegal may draft some documents signing them on as clients.
Paralegals will also be in various meetings with attorneys identifying how they can best assist lawyers in the current case they are working on.
Much of their day is also devoted to conducting case-related research and preparing and editing documents.
Paralegals also foster a positive work environment and attend networking events to build relationships within the legal community.
While cities may be significant, the legal community remains small, so it is crucial to guard your reputation.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Paralegal
An overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Paralegal is listed below.
- Interview clients by phone or in-person
- Edit legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and technical papers
- Assist attorneys in filing motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
- Assist with transactions
- Accompany attorneys at court proceedings
- Train and coach junior paralegals
- Create summaries of depositions and testimonies
- Conduct legal research into case law
- Send invoices to clients
Paralegal Salary
Average Salary
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Paralegal in the U.S. is $51,118.
Starting Salary
According to Salary.com, the starting salary for a Paralegal in the U.S. is $41,274.
Senior Salary
According to Salary.com, the senior salary for a Paralegal in the U.S. is $62,068.
How To Become A Paralegal
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
An entry-level position as a paralegal requires, at the very least, a paralegal certificate indicating that you have the technical skills to be successful in the job.
Larger firms may need you to have a 4-year undergraduate degree at the very least, so it varies greatly depending on where you live.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
- Anticipate The Needs of Those Around Them:
- A large portion of the job is anticipating the needs of the attorneys around them, such as conducting research, putting together legal documents, and providing input without being asked.
- Legal Research:
- Extensive research is the basis of a strong argument.
- Paralegals must be familiar with citing cases that take precedents.
- Document Preparation:
- There are several legal documents that a paralegal must be familiar with in this position.
- The ability to draft these documents quickly and precisely is valuable.
- Case Management:
- Knowing the next steps in a case and what is required to push it forward and do those things is vital.
- Client Relationship Management & Networking Skills:
- Times have changed in the legal industry, meaning that legal professionals often have to look for clients instead of clients coming to them.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Paralegal
Become a paralegal; it can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 4 years.
The duration varies depending on your location and the firm you are applying to.
Several paralegal certificate programs allow people to fast-track their way to the legal industry.
Larger firms typically require an undergraduate degree, whereas smaller firms sometimes only require a diploma or certificate that indicates you know how to conduct the technical aspects of the role.
Is It Hard To Become A Paralegal?
In comparison to other legal occupations, becoming a paralegal is much easier.
Getting a paralegal certificate or undergraduate degree is straightforward, and much is learned on the job.
The industry requires many hours and practice to become truly excellent.
The time commitment and lifestyle changes that lead to a high-impact career can be the most challenging of becoming a paralegal.
Paralegal Career Paths
The Paralegal Roadmap
To become a paralegal, you must first graduate from high school.
Afterward, you can enroll in a 4-year undergraduate degree program that will best prepare you for the legal world, or you can pursue an intense 12-week certificate program that harnesses you with the technical skills to be successful in this position.
Depending on the firm you are applying to, the requirements may vary.
Often a certificate is enough to get you in the door.
Projections For Growth In Paralegal Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics (BLS), jobs for paralegals are estimated to grow by 14% through 2031.
This rate is higher than average.
In Summary: Is Paralegal A Good Career?
Pursuing a career as a paralegal can be exciting and rewarding.
Working Conditions
Can A Paralegal Work Remotely From Home?
The global pandemic has shown that anything is possible.
Although paralegals typically work in an office, it is possible to work from home.
However, after the pandemic is over, paralegals are expected to return to the office.
How Many Hours Does A Paralegal Work?
Paralegals usually work full-time.
However, they sometimes work more than 40 hours to meet their deadlines.
Can A Paralegal Work Part-Time?
It is uncommon for paralegals to work part-time due to the nature of their work.
It is more common for paralegals to work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Paralegal?
It is three weeks which is excellent considering most jobs provide ten days.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Paralegal
- Proposal Writer
- Screenwriter
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Copy Editor
- Research Assistant
- Marketing Coordinator
- Mortgage Loan Processor
- Administrative Assistant
Paralegal Resume Tips
Tailor your resume to match the keywords listed in the job description.
Outline previous responsibilities and experiences that are related to the job posting.
Even if your expertise is not legal-related, focus on transferable skills.
Paralegal Interview Questions
Q1: Why do you want to be a paralegal?
Why It Works: The people that are the best at what they do have a strong core driver – a “why.”
This is an opportunity for you to communicate your why and dazzle them.
Q2: Which areas of law appeal to you the most?
Why It Works: The hiring manager wants to see if you can be a generalist or a specialist.
They want to know if you have long-term potential at the firm you are applying to work at.
Being concise and clear about your career goals and aspirations is crucial.
Q3: How do you prioritize your work and life with tight deadlines and high pressure?
Why It Works: The hiring manager wants you to show your commitment and consistency.
The legal profession is high-pressure and work-heavy, meaning that it is common for paralegals to work well over 40 hours per week.
Often it can be challenging to balance a healthy social life with the work schedule this position demands.
Jobs Related To Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Junior Paralegal
- Administrative Clerk
- Legal Clerk
- Senior Legal Assistant
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Paralegal
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Paralegal
- Ability To Work Under Pressure:
- Working in the legal industry is not for the faint of heart.
- It requires a significant amount of work ethic to succeed in this position.
- Detail-Oriented:
- This work requires you to stay on your feet and organized regardless of the situation.
- Lost documentation can cost people thousands of dollars.
- Assertiveness:
- Assertiveness is the name of the game in the legal world.
- You must be able to advocate for yourself and speak up when needed.
- Assertiveness is also key to building trust and respect.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
At the very least, the paralegal applying for the position should have a certificate indicating the technical ability to succeed in the position they are applying for.
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