What is a Paralegal or Legal Assistant?
Job Description & Duties 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
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
- File pleadings with court clerk.
- Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
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Paralegal or Legal Assistant Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Paralegals and Legal Assistants say are important on the job.
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
- Intellectual Property Paralegal
- Paralegal Specialist
- Corporate Law Assistant
- Law Associate
What Kind of Paralegal or Legal Assistant Job Opportunities Are There?
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. There will be an estimated 34,700 positions for Paralegal or Legal Assistant per 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
The average yearly salary of a Paralegal or Legal Assistant ranges between $31,400 and $82,050.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Paralegals and Legal Assistants:
- 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?
Individuals working as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Paralegals and Legal Assistants Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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