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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Paralegals.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Paralegals.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 14%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Becoming a paralegal can be an exciting and rewarding career choice for those interested in the legal field. Paralegals play a crucial role in assisting attorneys, law offices, corporations, and government agencies by conducting legal research, preparing documents, and maintaining files. They need to be detail-oriented, possess strong organizational skills, and have an understanding of legal terminology and procedures. Here's how you can become a paralegal:
Before pursuing this career, it's essential to understand what a paralegal does:
Education is a key step in becoming a paralegal. Consider the following educational paths:
Hands-on experience is invaluable in the legal field:
While not always required, certification can enhance your credentials:
Certain skills can make you a more effective paralegal:
The legal field is constantly evolving:
When you're ready to enter the job market:
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a qualified paralegal. Remember that dedication, continuous learning, and networking are important aspects of building a successful career in this dynamic field.
To become a paralegal, the typical education requirements include:
Some employers may also consider candidates who have substantial legal experience in lieu of formal paralegal education.
While not always required, certifications can enhance a paralegal’s job prospects. Some widely recognized certifications include:
Some states may have additional requirements or voluntary certification programs.
Key skills for paralegals include:
A typical career path for a paralegal might involve:
Yes, paralegals can specialize in areas such as:
Specializing often requires additional training or certifications relevant to the specific area of law.
The job market for paralegals is generally strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Advancement opportunities for paralegals can include:
Continuing education is important for paralegals to:
Many professional associations offer continuing education opportunities for their members.
Paralegal careers can offer flexibility in terms of: