Paralegal

Work Characteristics

Paralegals are also known as legal assistants. They are delegated work by lawyers. They are increasingly taking on activities that would normally be carried out by a lawyer but are subject to rules that prevent them from activities such as charging legal fees, practicing law and giving legal advice.

They help lawyers to prepare for closings, trails, hearings and corporate meetings. Their duties include researching of facts in a given case and collecting all the relevant information. They also assist in identifying judicial decisions, legal articles, appropriate laws and other materials related to a given case.
Upon direction from the attorney they may prepare legal documents for lawsuits, draft motions and pleadings to be filed with the court, provide assistance during trials and help in obtaining affidavits.

Some are involved in clerical work such as maintaining and keeping financial records and records of other employees, draft contracts, separation agreements and mortgages.

Work Environment

Most paralegals are hired by law firms, government offices and corporate legal departments. They work in different aspects of law such as litigation, corporate law, personal injury, employee benefits, criminal law, labor law, intellectual property, bankruptcy, family law, immigration and real estate. They also specialize in any one of these activities. Work is usually carried out within regular hours. Sometimes as per the need long hours and work during weekends is needed to be put in.

Educational Requirements

Knowledge of computer operations and technical aspects of legal work is required. Online associate degree in Paralegal Studies programs are available for gaining formal training. Accredited online bachelor degree in Paralegal Studies and certificate programs that take a few months to complete are also available.

Job Prospects and Salary Expectations

Growth opportunities for those in this profession are expected to grow faster than in other professions. In order to reduce legal costs, many large businesses are increasingly hiring in-house paralegals. Those with proper qualifications stand to benefit the most.

Salary starts as low as less than $25,360 annually and goes up as high as more than $61,390.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.