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Paralegal or Legal Assistant

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What is a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?

Paralegal or Legal Assistant Definition 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.

  • Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
  • Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
  • 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.
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
  • Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.

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These are the skills Paralegals and Legal Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Paralegal Specialist
  • Immigration Specialist
  • Contracts Specialist
  • Litigation Legal Assistant
  • Legal Administrative Assistant

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 285,600 jobs in the United States for Paralegal or Legal Assistant. 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. The BLS estimates 34,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

The typical yearly salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is somewhere between $31,400 and $82,050.

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Paralegals and Legal Assistants who work in District of Columbia, Connecticut, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Paralegals and Legal Assistants

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

Are there Paralegals and Legal Assistants education requirements?

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Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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