Choosing your profession can feel like one of the most crucial decisions you will make. It’s understandable to second-guess yourself. Shows like Law and Order, How to Get Away with Murder or Better Call Saul may have piqued your interest in the legal realm, but is that interest enough to fuel a career?
Of all the potential courtroom jobs out there, a paralegal career is one of the fastest tracks you can take to your first day on the job. But the time it takes to gain the proper knowledge and training is still an investment. You want to be sure that it’s worth your time.
Take a moment to learn some of the gritty details of working as a paralegal—from the mouths of paralegals and the lawyers who hire them. Use this expert insight to help you make an informed decision.
But first, let’s cover the basics…
What does a paralegal do?
You’ve likely done some research on your own, but it’s always beneficial to have all of your information in one place. What does a paralegal do? Basically, they help their attorneys keep things organized and running smoothly by doing important legal legwork.
Those duties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), can include assisting attorneys during trials, organizing case files, preparing trial notes, performing legal research, preparing legal briefs and sometimes conducting client and witness interviews.1
“Most paralegal jobs require paralegals to work on contracts, real estate, civil lawsuits and other legal needs,” says Kirk Olson, a lawyer and instructor at Rasmussen University. “One case may require multiple areas of law. For instance, a divorce often requires a paralegal to obtain and review real estate, pension, insurance, business and estate planning documents, not just child custody studies.”
Paralegals are generally detail oriented, organized and efficient. Because duties can vary greatly based on the size of the firm or the supervising attorneys, they must also be adaptable.
How to become a paralegal
One of the most common concerns for anyone looking into starting in this field is the amount of education needed—as well as how long it takes to become a paralegal. The path to becoming a paralegal can look very different from one person to the next.
But the BLS states that the most common educational path that leads to work as a paralegal is an Associate’s degree, which can be completed in as a few as 18 months.1,2 That said, if you’ve already earned a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a different field, a Paralegal Certificate program can provide you with the specialized knowledge base you’ll need on the job without requiring more years of schooling—in fact, this Certificate program can be completed in as few as 8 months.2
What to expect from the Paralegal Certificate program
This program is designed to supplement education from a different field. If you already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any area, a Paralegal Certificate program can give you the legal basics a paralegal needs to know while building upon the foundation of general education courses you’ve already completed.
In this kind of paralegal program, you’ll take courses like Introduction to Legal Research, Legal Writing and Law Office Management. Ethical communication, interdisciplinary awareness and emerging technology are important objectives of this program.
What to expect from a Paralegal Associate’s degree program
A Paralegal Associate’s degree program will give you an essential basis for work as a paralegal (as well as other careers) with foundational classes in English composition, math and the humanities. But the bulk of your studies will focus on skill and knowledge areas specific to the legal world and the paralegal duties within it.
Courses like Torts, Contracts and Family Law zoom in on complex subjects in the legal realm, while other courses such as Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts, Legal Writing and Legal Research help you build the critical skill sets paralegals need.
A Paralegal degree will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in the field, but there will be a host of things you won’t learn until you’re on the job. For some additional insights, we asked paralegal professionals to share the things they wish they’d known before starting their careers.
What is a paralegal career like?
“You will work hard and long hours, but it's worth it,” says paralegal and Rasmussen University Justice Studies instructor Julia Gordon. Gordon explains that paralegals carry a lot of weight on their shoulders and every detail matters.
“There is no room for error in tracking deadlines and working with court scheduling,” says Kevin Queenan of The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. “Mentoring legal assistants, I hear the same issue every time: I did not know you meant that detail oriented!” Queenan emphasizes that miniscule mistakes can have big consequences in the legal world. Having a bad day won’t cut it as an excuse if your mistake costs the firm a case, or worse, accusations of malpractice.
Yet, Queenan points out, people with the right personality can flourish in this position. Paralegals can take jobs with varied daily tasks and experiences if that is what they are looking for. “In a general civil practice ... the legal assistant may be answering discovery [requests] one day and driving out to meet a new client the next day.”
“For those who like more structure or repetition, there are law practices involving cookie-cutter lawsuits and issues. I talked to a legal assistant yesterday, and her last position involved filing 1,000 credit card lawsuits per month,” Queenan explains.
“Don't go into the job with rose-colored glasses,” Gordon says. You might picture working in an office full of driven individuals who want to help their clients fix injustices. But unfortunately, it isn’t always like that.
“Not all attorneys are nice, and not all attorneys are ethical,” Gordon says. “Be aware of your ethical rules and guidelines and never compromise your integrity. Nothing is worth losing your self-respect over. You have your clients’ lives in your hands. Treat the position with the highest reverence.”
What is the average paralegal salary?
While not every aspect of a paralegal’s work is considered glamorous, that’s really no different from most jobs. After all, there’s a reason you get paid to work. But is that pay enough to support you and your responsibilities? That’s up to you to decide.
The median annual paralegal salary in 2021 was $56,230, according to the BLS.2 That’s $10,470 more than the national average of $45,760 for all occupations.2 This is pretty encouraging for a job that doesn’t require a Bachelor’s degree or hazardous working conditions.
Which paralegal skills matter most?
In this legal career, certain personalities and particular skill sets are better poised for success than others. If you are considering work as a paralegal, make sure you fit the bill by the time you apply.
“An effective [paralegal] must be computer savvy,” Queenan says. She adds that good legal assistants don’t overreact under pressure, are highly organized and care about the small details.
“Being kind and helpful is a good start,” Olson says. But Olson emphasizes that helpfulness won’t land you the job. “Lawyers hire paralegals because a good paralegal will find flaws in documents and assist with billing and other detailed functions that keep a law office working. A good paralegal is a ‘deadline cop’ who keeps the law firm on track.”
Olson says paralegals are expected to catch errors made by others and remind everyone of important dates. “Finding and warning of a deadline that others missed may prevent a loss of a client’s case and may save a $10,000 deductible in a lawyer’s malpractice claim,” Olson adds.
All that detail checking includes spelling and grammar. Olson says paralegals correct citation mistakes, grammar errors and other inaccuracies. Fine-tuning your writing and editing abilities is vital for success as a paralegal—that, as well as technical proficiency.
“A person considering becoming a legal assistant should take the highest level of available training on Word, WordPerfect and Westlaw,” Queenan says. “A technologically proficient [paralegal] will wow their lawyers more often and command a higher salary and raises.”
How to stand out as a paralegal
If you are mentally checking off some of those skill boxes—that’s a great sign. While detail-oriented professionals with strong writing and computer skills are important in this profession, there are ways to stand out even more.
Queenan recommends seeking training in client interactions, etiquette and communication skills since presenting a professional image to clients is incredibly important. Pay close attention to verbal slip-ups—no one wants to hear their legal help sounding careless. You want to make sure you are representing yourself, your clients and, ultimately, your practice as best as you can. This includes being able to communicate in a professional manner.
Additionally, Queenan suggests learning more about research materials on the internet. “We are suing a major manufacturer, and my legal assistant found several articles that were helpful to our lack of warning claims. The information was free!”
Olson suggests asking for examples of finished case files when you take work as a paralegal to see samples of what completed and professional work looks like for that firm. “And be assertive. If something does not look right, insist that it be explained or fixed.”
Are you cut out to become a paralegal?
Paralegals play an integral role in a firm’s success. Every document filed, every interview conducted and every ounce of collected research matters.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in the exciting legal world you’re used to seeing on TV, the paralegal profession may be the perfect career choice for you. Not only can it help you pay the bills, but it will challenge you intellectually and provide you with valuable professional experience to reach your long-term career goals.
These expert insights should answer many of your lingering questions about becoming a paralegal. If you're thinking this is the career for you, take a closer look at the paralegal programs that can help you get there. The Rasmussen UniversityParalegal Certificate and Associate’s Degree page can explain more of how to get your legal career underway!
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed June, 2022] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
2Time to completion is dependent on accepted transfer credits and courses completed each quarter.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in June 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2022. Expert insight remains from original version.
FAQs
What kind of personality do you need to be a paralegal? ›
Personality Traits Of Successful Paralegals. Paralegals are a hardworking and dedicated bunch—they are organized, independent, fairly introverted, and creative in a way that most people never expect. They research, synthesize, document, and interpret facts to form coherent stories for their clients to use in court.
Why do I want to be a paralegal? ›Paralegal work can not only help confirm that law is the right career path for you; it also gives you a chance to hone those vital, sought-after skills for a successful career in law that are difficult to practise elsewhere – commercial awareness and client-relationship skills, for instance.
What are the three qualities a paralegal should have? ›- Ability to multitask. ...
- Strong attention to detail. ...
- Willingness to learn. ...
- Expertise in organization. ...
- Psychic abilities.
- Why did you pursue a career as a paralegal? ...
- What work experience do you have? ...
- How are your legal research skills? ...
- How organized are you and how do you check the accuracy of your work? ...
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.
Can paralegals make six figures? Sure. If you're certified by either NALA, NFPA, or another certifying organization, have years of experience and have become a subject matter expert in your field. Many larger law firms have tiers for paralegals and they advance through the ranks as do attorneys.
What are the pros and cons of being a paralegal? ›| Pros of Being a Paralegal | Cons Of Being a Paralegal |
|---|---|
| No Bar Exam Required | Not As Much Authority |
| Increased Need | Easier Ways To Make Money |
| Opportunities in Many Locations | Extensive Education Required |
| Stimulates Your Intellectual Side | Sometimes Intense Pressure |
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are a number of answers, including toxic culture in law firms, career burnout, and a desire to move up. Burnout and other stresses may make paralegals feel like there is nowhere to go, but that's not at all true. The law firm isn't the only place for paralegal to work and thrive in their career.
What is exciting about being a paralegal? ›As a paralegal, you may spend time assisting attorneys in the courtroom, which can be an exciting, gratifying aspect of the job that can help you feel valued and confident.
Is paralegal work stressful? ›Being a paralegal is stressful, and paralegal burnout is real. Paralegals work notoriously long hours, and their tasks include everything from office management to doing case research and preparing and editing legal contracts and documents. Paralegal's tasks have a direct impact on the outcomes of matters and cases.
How do I prepare for a paralegal job? ›
When preparing for a Paralegal job interview, you should think about ways that you can demonstrate your research, organisation, prioritisation and interpersonal skills, as well as legal knowledge and a genuine interest in your practice area of choice.
How should I dress for a paralegal interview? ›Regardless of the dress code for the law firm, I'm a firm believer that when you go to a paralegal interview, you should wear a suit. A suit is professional and demonstrates that you pay close attention to detail and you're committed to your career.
Is being paralegal hard? ›Stressful and Challenging Work Environment
You may answer to several attorneys at once, each with different needs. Clients, too, can be demanding and difficult. The ability to switch gears quickly and to multitask under pressure is critical to your success as a paralegal.
- Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client.
- Locate and interview witnesses.
- Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research.
- Conduct legal research.
- Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) ...
- Timekeeping Software.
- Basic Computer.
- Document Management. ...
- Scheduling. ...
- e-Filing. ...
- Electronically Stored Information (ESI) ...
- Trial Presentation Software.
- Organize Predictably. One thing I cannot stress enough in litigation file management is – organize your file from the VERY beginning. ...
- Take Time. ...
- Make Lists. ...
- Now, Not Later. ...
- Take Breaks.
Tell me about yourself and why you want to be a Paralegal? SUGGESTED ANSWER: “Being naturally someone who has great attention to detail, an inquisitive mind and totally dedicated approach to my work, I believe the role of a Paralegal is one I would excel in.
How do you ace a paralegal interview? ›- Show Positivity. First and foremost, hiring managers look at who will be a good fit for their team, and positive team players are often sought after.
- Dress in a way that commands respect. ...
- Use strong body positioning. ...
- Make eye contact. ...
- Speak slowly. ...
- Turn off your cell phone.
One of the most exciting things about being a paralegal is your limitless ability to learn. Being a paralegal means that you are a jack of all trades. Attorneys will call on you for ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING (trust me).
Where do paralegals make the most money? ›...
Best Paying States for Paralegals.
| State | Paralegal Salary -2019 Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $60,240 |
| California | $61,810 |
| Washington | $60,840 |
| Massachusetts | $61,650 |
Is a law clerk the same as a paralegal? ›
In addition to supportive legal roles, licensed paralegals are allowed to represent clients independently and set up their own practices, while law clerks will always work under the direct supervision of a lawyer or team of lawyers.
How can paralegals make extra money? ›- Write Articles About Paralegal Topics and More. Businesses are always looking for writers. ...
- Start a YouTube Channel or a Podcast Show. ...
- Create an Online Course. ...
- Teach a Course at a Local Paralegal School or an Online Paralegal School. ...
- Be an Affiliate.
Highly organized (this is on 99% of the lists you'll find) Good communication skills (another popular “trait or characteristic” associated with paralegals) Excellent research and writing skills. Ability to multitask.
How many cases should a paralegal have? ›In pre-litigation the average number for a successful case handler (my experience ) is 80–100 cases. In litigation a true paralegal might work on ten or up to 40 cases.
What exactly does a paralegal do? ›Legal research, fact gathering and information retrieval. Drafting correspondence. Drafting pleadings, document responses and discoveries. Contacting and conferencing with clients.
Do paralegals travel for work? ›Typically, paralegals perform their tasks in a law library, office or courtroom. These environments are normally clean, well-lit and well-ventilated. However, paralegals must occasionally travel to other locations to conduct interviews or research.
What is a paralegal job description? ›DEFINITION. The Paralegal (PL) assists with case planning, development, and management, legal research, interviews clients, gathers facts and retrieves information, drafts and analyzes legal documents and collects, complies and utilizes technical information, to make recommendations to an attorney.
What is the least stressful attorney job? ›Real estate law, estate planning law, and intellectual property law are commonly cited as the least stressful types of law to practice.
Are paralegals respected? ›There is no doubt that lawyers rely heavily on paralegals. Indeed, given the number and variety of tasks paralegals can perform in the legal setting, paralegals have earned a level of trust and respect in the legal profession commensurate with the role they play as part of the client's legal team.
Do paralegals write a lot? ›Paralegals spend much of their time writing: drafting emails, letters, briefs, memorandum, agreements, resolutions, motions, contracts and many other legal forms that are both simple and complex. Hence, good writing skills are a valuable asset and significant to a paralegal's success.
Do paralegals get good benefits? ›
Paralegals typically receive all the basic benefits and perks offered at most jobs, such as paid time off, health care, sick days, pension, bonuses, and insurance. Many firms also offer education reimbursement to their paralegals. Typically, benefits and perks boost total compensation by about 31%.
Do paralegals need to know math? ›College level paralegal degree programs require that students demonstrate competency in basic English, math, computer, and social sciences courses. These prerequisites are designed to not only prepare the student for his degree specific coursework, but give him the necessary skills to succeed in the field.
How do paralegals grow? ›- Online Networking. ...
- Join local and national paralegal organizations. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Read blogs, articles, and case summaries. ...
- CLE materials. ...
- Move to another city. ...
- Change industries.
- 10 Low-Stress Jobs.
- Data Scientist.
- Dietitian.
- Medical Records Technician.
- Massage Therapist.
- Appliance Repairer.
- Librarian.
- Diagnostic Medical Stenographer.
Difference between a Chartered Legal Executive and Paralegal
A Chartered Legal Executive is a qualified lawyer who is regulated by a professional body. A Chartered Legal Executive can become a partner in a law firm, can become a coroner and a judge. Paralegals are not regulated by a professional body.
A paralegal works in a legal office, and is generally responsible for performing certain legal work on behalf of a lawyer or attorney. Paralegals, essentially, are legal assistants. A paralegal can do work such as: Interviewing clients.
What questions do they ask during interview? ›- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your resume.
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you bring to the company?
- What are your greatest strengths?
With this in mind, the legal research process can be broken down into three basic elements: Understanding the key details and questions of your legal issue, finding laws and information to support your legal argument, and checking that what you've found is still relevant.
Can paralegals have tattoos? ›According to the handbook, they don't care about hairstyles or tattoos, piercings, etc. plenty of my coworker's have full sleeves and in the next couple of weeks I'll be dying my hair an unnatural color.
What qualities do you feel are most important for a successful legal assistant? ›- Organizational Skills.
- Writing Skills.
- Technical Skills.
- Detail Oriented.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Understanding Legal Terminology and Documentation.
- Multi-Tasking.
- Adaptability.
What should I bring to a legal assistant interview? ›
In addition, make sure that you have a pen and a piece of paper with you so that you can take down notes during the interview. Show your enthusiasm to join the company and let your interviewer know that you are very interested in what they do and what they can offer. In the legal world, time is very important.
Are paralegals mostly female? ›Paralegal Statistics By Gender
77.6% of paralegals are women and 22.4% of paralegals are men.
Paralegal work can not only help confirm that law is the right career path for you; it also gives you a chance to hone those vital, sought-after skills for a successful career in law that are difficult to practise elsewhere – commercial awareness and client-relationship skills, for instance.
What qualities do you feel are most important for a successful legal assistant? ›- Organizational Skills.
- Writing Skills.
- Technical Skills.
- Detail Oriented.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Understanding Legal Terminology and Documentation.
- Multi-Tasking.
- Adaptability.
Diplomacy and Integrity Are Important Qualities
Their discretion and ability to act professionally is critical to both their personal success and the success of the legal team they're supporting. If you're able to apply good judgment to sensitive situations and act diplomatically, a legal career could be right for you.
Regardless of the dress code for the law firm, I'm a firm believer that when you go to a paralegal interview, you should wear a suit. A suit is professional and demonstrates that you pay close attention to detail and you're committed to your career.
What are the four aspects of paralegal competency? ›The four aspects of a lawyer's competency apply to paralegals: legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation.
What computer skills does a paralegal need? ›- Artificial Intelligence (AI) ...
- Timekeeping Software.
- Basic Computer.
- Document Management. ...
- Scheduling. ...
- e-Filing. ...
- Electronically Stored Information (ESI) ...
- Trial Presentation Software.
- Work as a legal secretary. Many professionals enter the field by working as a legal secretary or legal assistant then work their way up to being a paralegal. ...
- Research legal topics. ...
- Attend a paralegal training program. ...
- Learn how to use popular software programs.
A legal assistant, or litigation assistant, may perform administrative duties as well as legal tasks. A paralegal focuses more on legal duties and research to assist lawyers. Both positions require an understanding of legal terminology and procedures.
What does being a paralegal teach you? ›
Paralegal duties would typically involve preparing legal documents, research, admin, providing quotes to clients, interviewing clients and witnesses, giving clients legal information, going to court and handling a caseload of clients.
What is the paralegal job description? ›DEFINITION. The Paralegal (PL) assists with case planning, development, and management, legal research, interviews clients, gathers facts and retrieves information, drafts and analyzes legal documents and collects, complies and utilizes technical information, to make recommendations to an attorney.
What is a legal assistant salary? ›Find out what the average Legal Assistant salary is
The average legal assistant salary in South Africa is R 216 000 per year or R 111 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 150 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 2 592 000 per year.
When preparing for a Paralegal job interview, you should think about ways that you can demonstrate your research, organisation, prioritisation and interpersonal skills, as well as legal knowledge and a genuine interest in your practice area of choice.
How do you nail a paralegal interview? ›- Show Positivity. First and foremost, hiring managers look at who will be a good fit for their team, and positive team players are often sought after.
- Dress in a way that commands respect. ...
- Use strong body positioning. ...
- Make eye contact. ...
- Speak slowly. ...
- Turn off your cell phone.
According to the handbook, they don't care about hairstyles or tattoos, piercings, etc. plenty of my coworker's have full sleeves and in the next couple of weeks I'll be dying my hair an unnatural color.
What are four things that a paralegal Cannot do? ›Paralegals must avoid the unauthorized practice of law. Generally, paralegals may not represent clients in court, take depositions, or sign pleadings. Some federal and state administrative agencies, however, do permit nonlawyer practice.
What are the 5 typical duties of a paralegals? ›- Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client.
- Locate and interview witnesses.
- Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research.
- Conduct legal research.
- Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings.
In pre-litigation the average number for a successful case handler (my experience ) is 80–100 cases. In litigation a true paralegal might work on ten or up to 40 cases.