Life As a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Paralegal or Legal Assistant Example 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: What Do They Do?
- 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.
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
- Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant Required Skills
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.
Types of Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- Research Analyst
- Paralegal
- Trademark Paralegal
- Real Estate Closer
- Research Assistant
Paralegal or Legal Assistant Employment Estimates
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. The BLS estimates 34,700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Paralegal or Legal Assistant Make?
The salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants ranges between about $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 do I Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
What education is needed to be a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
What work experience do I need to become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Sector
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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