Paralegals and Legal Assistants: A Comprehensive Guide
Paralegals and legal assistants are essential members of legal teams. They provide support to lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and communicating with clients. The job of a paralegal or legal assistant involves many tasks that help the legal process run more smoothly. If you are considering a career in the legal field, read on to learn more about becoming a paralegal or legal assistant.
What Is a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
A paralegal or legal assistant is a professional who assists lawyers with a variety of tasks. These tasks can include researching legal precedents, drafting legal documents, and communicating with clients. Paralegals and legal assistants work under the supervision of lawyers, but they may also work independently on certain tasks.
Examples of Paralegal and Legal Assistant Jobs
Paralegals and legal assistants work in many different areas of law. Here are some examples of the types of jobs that paralegals and legal assistants might have:
- Corporate Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Works with companies on matters like mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiation, and intellectual property protection.
- Litigation Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Provides support for lawyers who work on lawsuits, including organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and drafting pleadings.
- Real Estate Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Assists with the legal aspects of buying and selling property, including drafting contracts and conducting title searches.
- Family Law Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Works with lawyers who handle issues like divorce, child custody, and adoption.
Education and Training Requirements
Most paralegals and legal assistants have at least an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Some also have bachelor’s degrees in the field. These degree programs teach students about legal research, writing, and ethics. They also cover specific areas of law and provide practical experience through internships and other hands-on learning opportunities.
It is also possible to become a paralegal or legal assistant with on-the-job training. Some law firms hire individuals with no formal education in the field but who have strong administrative and organizational skills. These individuals would receive training from the law firm to learn the skills necessary to work as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Progression Between Levels
Paralegals and legal assistants can progress through the ranks by gaining experience and becoming more specialized in a particular area of law. Some paralegals and legal assistants may become certified in a specific area of law, which can help them stand out in the job market. They may also take on more responsibility as they gain experience and prove themselves to be reliable and efficient workers.
How to Get Into the Field as a Newcomer
If you are interested in becoming a paralegal or legal assistant but have no experience, there are several ways to break into the field. Consider taking a paralegal studies program at a local community college or university. This will provide you with the knowledge and training necessary to work as a paralegal or legal assistant. You can also look for internships or entry-level positions at law firms, which can be a great way to gain on-the-job experience. Finally, consider networking with individuals in the legal field and attending job fairs to learn more about available opportunities and the skills employers are seeking.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (National Average) | Salary (Best Paid Geography) | Salary (Least Paid Geography) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | Level 06 | $42,473.60 | $96,158.40 (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | Level 07 | $56,576.00 | $96,158.40 (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | Level 08 | $64,376.00 | $96,158.40 (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | Entry | $40,809.60 | N/A | $44,220.80 (Mississippi) |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | Intermediate | $56,576.00 | N/A | $44,220.80 (Mississippi) |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | All levels | $61,401.60 | $96,158.40 (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) | $44,220.80 (Mississippi) |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Nonunion) | All levels | $61,401.60 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | All levels | $63,876.80 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | Level 06 | $42,161.60 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | Level 07 | $57,179.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | Level 08 | $64,958.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | Entry | $40,726.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Full-time) | Intermediate | $57,179.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Time-based pay) | All levels | $62,212.80 | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and legal assistants (Time-based pay) | Part-time | N/A | N/A | $44,220.80 (Mississippi) |
Paralegals and legal assistants have a job level ranging from Entry to Level 08. The US National Average salary for this occupation is $42,473.60 to $64,376.00. The best-paid geography for this occupation is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA with an average salary of $96,158.40, while Mississippi is the least paid geography with an average salary of $44,220.80.
Having a union does not seem to affect the salary of Paralegals and legal assistants, as the National Average for Nonunion workers (all levels) is the same as for all workers (all levels).
In terms of job payment, Paralegals and legal assistants can be full-time or time-based pay, with their salary ranging from $40,726.40 to $63,876.80.
There are not enough data available for the Part-time (Mississippi) job level as the US National Average and Salary (Best Paid Geography) are the same. However, the Salary (Least Paid Geography) is specified with an average of $44,220.80.
