What You Need to Know About Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- File pleadings with court clerk.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles
- Real Estate Paralegal
- Trademark Paralegal
- Paralegal Assistant
- Contracts Specialist
- Legal Analyst
Is There Going to be Demand for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
There were about 285,600 jobs for Paralegal or Legal Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 41,800 new jobs for Paralegal or Legal Assistant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 34,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Paralegal or Legal Assistant are Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Ohio, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Paralegals and Legal Assistants make between $31,400 and $82,050 a year.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,530 |
| Alaska | $59,140 |
| Arizona | $48,370 |
| Arkansas | $42,050 |
| California | $61,240 |
| Colorado | $58,350 |
| Connecticut | $62,760 |
| Delaware | $57,290 |
| District of Columbia | $80,470 |
| Florida | $50,120 |
| Georgia | $54,130 |
| Hawaii | $52,280 |
| Idaho | $46,510 |
| Illinois | $57,180 |
| Indiana | $49,090 |
| Iowa | $46,990 |
| Kansas | $43,790 |
| Kentucky | $46,130 |
| Louisiana | $50,540 |
| Maine | $49,490 |
| Maryland | $55,950 |
| Massachusetts | $60,320 |
| Michigan | $50,590 |
| Minnesota | $56,880 |
| Mississippi | $44,300 |
| Missouri | $53,110 |
| Montana | $44,330 |
| Nebraska | $49,250 |
| Nevada | $57,600 |
| New Hampshire | $54,550 |
| New Jersey | $58,260 |
| New Mexico | $48,050 |
| New York | $58,750 |
| North Carolina | $47,210 |
| North Dakota | $45,870 |
| Ohio | $49,200 |
| Oklahoma | $48,330 |
| Oregon | $55,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,780 |
| Rhode Island | $50,650 |
| South Carolina | $45,480 |
| South Dakota | $49,560 |
| Tennessee | $49,050 |
| Texas | $56,270 |
| Utah | $49,140 |
| Vermont | $50,570 |
| Virginia | $51,600 |
| Washington | $60,940 |
| West Virginia | $46,080 |
| Wisconsin | $50,360 |
| Wyoming | $46,770 |
What Tools & Technology do Paralegals and Legal Assistants Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Paralegals and Legal Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- LexisNexis
- Google Drive
- MicroStrategy
How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Learn what Paralegal or Legal Assistant education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
Where Paralegals and Legal Assistants Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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