Paralegal or Legal Assistant

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.

On the job, you would:

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Paralegals must be able to document and present their research and related information to their supervising attorney.

Computer skills. Paralegals need to be familiar with using computers for legal research and litigation support. They also use computer programs for organizing and maintaining important documents.

Interpersonal skills. Paralegals spend most of their time working with clients and other professionals and must be able to develop good relationships. They must make clients feel comfortable sharing personal information related to their cases.

Organizational skills. Paralegals may be responsible for many cases at one time. They must adapt quickly to changing deadlines.

Research skills. Paralegals gather facts of the case and research information on relevant laws and regulations to prepare drafts of legal documents for attorneys and help them prepare for a case.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		86%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		84%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		81%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		78%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		77%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		73%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		72%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		72%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		71%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		70%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		67%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		65%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		58%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		54%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		52%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		78%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
		67%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		56%	Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		67%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
		56%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		56%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		72%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		63%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		60%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		60%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		60%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		53%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		57%	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.
		55%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		54%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Prepare legal documents.

Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.

Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.

Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.

Coordinate legal schedules or activities.

Maintain the order of legal documents.

Prepare legal documents.

Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.

Confer with court staff to clarify information.

Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.

Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.

Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		100%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		97%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		95%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		94%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		92%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		89%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		89%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		87%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		85%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		79%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		75%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		67%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		67%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		67%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		60%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		59%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		58%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		56%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		97%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		86%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		80%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		80%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		80%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		79%	Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		76%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		76%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		74%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		72%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		71%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		69%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		69%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		69%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		61%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		56%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		51%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

What Paralegals and Legal Assistants Do

Paralegals and legal assistants may conduct legal research.

Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.

Duties

Paralegals and legal assistants typically do the following:

Investigate and gather the facts of a case
Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles
Organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems
Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation
Write or summarize reports to help lawyers prepare for trials
Draft correspondence and legal documents, such as contracts and mortgages
Get affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court
Help lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts
File exhibits, briefs, appeals and other legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
Call clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions

Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.

Paralegals use technology and computer software for managing and organizing the increasing amount of documents and data collected during a case. Many paralegals use computer software to catalog documents, and to review documents for specific keywords or subjects. Because of these responsibilities, paralegals must be familiar with electronic database management and be current on the latest software used for electronic discovery. Electronic discovery refers to all electronic materials obtained by the parties during the litigation or investigation. These materials may be emails, data, documents, accounting databases, and websites.

Paralegals’ specific duties often vary depending on the area of law in which they work. The following are examples of types of paralegals and legal assistants:

Corporate paralegals, for example, often help lawyers prepare employee contracts, shareholder agreements, stock-option plans, and companies’ annual financial reports. Corporate paralegals may monitor and review government regulations to ensure that the corporation is aware of new legal requirements.

Litigation paralegals maintain documents received from clients, conduct research for lawyers, retrieve and organize evidence for use at depositions and trials, and draft settlement agreements. Some litigation paralegals may also help coordinate the logistics of attending a trial, including reserving office space, transporting exhibits and documents to the courtroom, and setting up computers and other equipment.

Paralegals may also specialize in other legal areas, such as personal injury, criminal law, employee benefits, intellectual property, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate.

Specific job duties may also vary by the size of the law firm.

In small firms, paralegals’ duties tend to vary more. In addition to reviewing and organizing documents, paralegals may prepare written reports that help lawyers determine how to handle their cases. If lawyers decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help draft documents to be filed with the court.

In large organizations, paralegals may work on a particular phase of a case, rather than handling a case from beginning to end. For example, paralegals may only review legal material for internal use, maintain reference files, conduct research for lawyers, or collect and organize evidence for hearings. After gaining experience, a paralegal may become responsible for more complicated tasks.

Unlike the work of other administrative and legal support staff employed in a law firm, the paralegal’s work is often billed to the client.

Paralegals may have frequent interactions with clients and third-party vendors. In addition, experienced paralegals may assume supervisory responsibilities, such as overseeing team projects or delegating work to other paralegals.

Work Environment

Paralegals and legal assistants held about 354,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of paralegals and legal assistants were as follows:

Legal services	74%
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	5
Federal government	5
Finance and insurance	4
State government, excluding education and hospitals	3

Paralegals and legal assistants often work in teams with attorneys, fellow paralegals, and other legal support staff.

Paralegals do most of their work in offices. Occasionally, they may travel to gather information, collect and review documents, accompany attorneys to depositions or trials, and do other tasks.

Some of the work can be fast-paced, and paralegals must be able to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Work Schedules

Most paralegals and legal assistants work full time. Some may work more than 40 hours per week in order to meet deadlines.

Getting Started

Education:

50%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

34%

Bachelor's Degree

How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant

Many paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies.

Most paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies.

Education

There are several paths a person can take to become a paralegal. A common path is for candidates to earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from a postsecondary institution.

However, many employers may prefer, or even require, applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Because only a small number of schools offer bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, applicants typically have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and earn a certificate in paralegal studies from a paralegal education program approved by the American Bar Association. Common fields of degree include social science, business, and security and protective service.

Associate’s and bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies or law and legal studies usually offer paralegal training courses in legal research, legal writing, and the legal applications of computers, along with courses in other academic subjects, such as corporate law and international law. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for people who already hold college degrees.

Employers sometimes hire college graduates with no legal experience or legal education and train them on the job.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Although not required, some employers may prefer to hire applicants who have completed a paralegal certification program.

Some national and local paralegal organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications to students able to pass an exam. Other organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications for paralegals who meet certain experience and education criteria.

Job Outlook

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 38,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Law firms will continue to be the largest employer of paralegals, as these workers are needed to help prepare and organize legal documents. However, many large corporations are increasing their in-house legal departments to cut costs. This should lead to an increase in the demand for legal workers in a variety of settings.

Contacts for More Information

For more information on the Certified Legal Assistant certification, schools that offer training programs in a specific State, and standards and guidelines for paralegals, visit

NALA – The National Association of Legal Assistants

For more information on the Professional Paralegal certification, visit

NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals

For more information on the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, paralegal careers, and paralegal training programs visit

National Federation of Paralegal Associations

For a list of American Bar Association approved paralegal education programs, visit

American Bar Association

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of paralegals and legal assistants.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators	Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.	See How to Become One	$72,040
Lawyers	Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.	Doctoral or professional degree	$135,740
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	Secretaries and administrative assistants do routine clerical and organizational tasks.	High school diploma or equivalent	$44,080
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators	Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.	Bachelor's degree	$64,030
Judges and Hearing Officers	Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts.	Doctoral or professional degree	$128,610

Paralegal or Legal Assistant

What they do: