Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois
Want to work as a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois? Here’s what the data says. 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. Excludes “Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants” (43-6012).
What do Paralegals and Legal Assistants Make in Illinois?
The paralegals and legal assistants working in Illinois, wages run about $62,290 per year (or roughly $29.95/hour).Earnings range from $44,180 at the 10th percentile to $102,270 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| 25th percentile | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| Median (50th) | $62,290 | $29.95 |
| 75th percentile | $80,830 | $38.86 |
| 90th percentile | $102,270 | $49.17 |
The job concentration index in Illinois compared to the national average — is 0.86, indicating fewer paralegals and legal assistants per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, paralegals and legal assistants earn a median of $134,350 per year ($64.59/hour), lower than the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 57,942 paralegals and legal assistants in the U.S.. In Illinois alone, approximately 12,430 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 4,920 paralegals and legal assistants.
Top Illinois Metros for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
These are the Illinois metros with the most paralegals and legal assistants in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 10,250 | $66,930 |
| Peoria, IL | 220 | $57,870 |
| Bloomington, IL | 210 | $58,000 |
| Rockford, IL | 170 | $47,120 |
| Springfield, IL | 150 | $58,530 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 80 | $47,860 |
| Decatur, IL | 40 | $61,700 |
Top States for Paralegals and Legal Assistants Employment
The table below shows the states where the most paralegals and legal assistants work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 45,740 |
| Florida | 37,410 |
| Texas | 28,770 |
| New York | 28,510 |
| Georgia | 14,480 |
| Pennsylvania | 14,130 |
| Illinois | 12,430 |
| North Carolina | 12,270 |
| New Jersey | 11,720 |
| Washington | 9,070 |
| Virginia | 8,570 |
| Ohio | 8,160 |
| Massachusetts | 7,520 |
| South Carolina | 7,260 |
| Michigan | 7,240 |
| Arizona | 6,780 |
| Minnesota | 6,640 |
| Missouri | 6,410 |
| Indiana | 5,970 |
| Tennessee | 5,890 |
Highest-Paying States for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
The highest-paying states for paralegals and legal assistants.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $99,300 |
| Washington | $78,010 |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 |
| Colorado | $73,380 |
| California | $72,960 |
| Minnesota | $67,320 |
| New York | $66,390 |
| Oregon | $63,970 |
| Maryland | $63,560 |
| Connecticut | $63,260 |
Skills
Key paralegals and legal assistants skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for paralegals and legal assistants, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, paralegals and legal assistants typically:
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- 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.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- File pleadings with court clerks.
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
- Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Performing Administrative Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Processing Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Google Docs In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Legal Support Services
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to paralegals and legal assistants include:
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Compliance Officers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Lawyers
- Judicial Law Clerks
Also Known As
Certified Paralegal, Contract Preparer, Contracts Specialist, Corporate Legal Assistant, Corporate Paralegal, Document Processor, Estate Planning Paralegal, Family Law Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal, Intellectual Property Paralegal, Law Associate, Legal Aide, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 23-2011.00
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