Where Can I Get a Job as a Paralegal?

If you wonder where the jobs are as a paralegal, the answer is that a paralegal could work a variety of places. A paralegal, who is also known as a legal assistant, might work for a corporation, government, law firm, and other environments. He or she works under the direct supervision of lawyer. When preparing for the career future paralegals receive training to be able to help attorneys in delivering legal services. Paralegals can never give legal advice. They cannot represent a client in court, set legal fees or sign documents that have been filed with a court.

Duties of a Paralegal

A paralegal or legal assistant assists an attorney in resolving a lawsuit. He interviews witnesses and clients, investigates facts; drafts pleadings, and performs legal research. He also drafts subpoenas, deposition notices, briefs, motions, discovery and other documents. He manages and organizes files, exhibits, documents, and files documents with various courts. He also assists at hearings, arbitrations, mediations, administrative proceedings, closings and trials.

Paralegal Education

Some legal assistants have no formal training. Most possess an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Some do not have a degree but have a paralegal certificate. Some have a degree and a certificate. Those with a four year degree in the field or a degree in any field, along with a certificate, usually obtain the best jobs.

A good number of paralegals receive certification to enhance their status as professionals.

Skills Paralegals Must Have

Legal assistants need an extensive knowledge of legal terminology. They must also know substantive law and stand federal rules of legal procedure. They need outstanding organizational skills, as they will need to manage huge exhibits and case files. There could be hundreds in a single case. Another reason communication skills are important is that paralegals regularly deal with experts, clients, court personnel, vendors, and attorneys. They need to be good writers and have excellent research skills. They will have to draft discovery, pleadings, correspondence, research memorandums, and other documents.

Salaries

Salaries for a paralegal can vary, depending on education, experience, where the legal assistant works, and practice environment. The average salary for a legal assistant, according to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, is $50,496. The median salary nationally is $49,000. About 25% of paralegals make less than $40,000. About the same number earn more than $60,000.

Some experienced legal assistants with special skills or management duties earn more than $100,000 annually. New paralegals in rural areas may make less than $20,000 annually.

The Outlook for a Those in the Field

CNN Money has rated being a paralegal as one of the top 20 jobs in the United States. There are many positions available. The outlook is bright because of retirement of paralegals and the fact the legal field is strong. Because attorneys charge so much the demand for legal assistants, when possible, is increasing. In addition, the case loads for attorneys have increased.

The field for paralegals is big. Those who wonder where the jobs are for paralegals who receive adequate training just might be able to get a job with a corporation, law firm, the government, or elsewhere.