Lawyers often face a tremendous workload; every legal specialty requires a great deal of research, drafting and filing of documents, and preparation of reports. Many lawyers hire paralegals, or legal assistants, to help them accomplish these tasks.
Paralegals perform many of the same duties as lawyers, but they are prohibited from actually practicing law-accepting clients, setting legal fees, giving legal advice, or presenting a case in court. Paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers because lawyers are ultimately responsible for their work.
Paralegals' responsibilities vary depending on the type and size of their employer. Those working for litigators assist in preparing a case for trial. They may conduct interviews and investigations to determine the facts of a case. They also may research laws, judicial decisions, and any other material that may be relevant to the case. They then must prepare reports telling of their findings so that the lawyer can determine the best strategy for the case. If a lawsuit is filed, the paralegal prepares and files necessary documents with the court, helps formulate legal arguments, and assists the lawyer during the trial.
Paralegals working for lawyers in other specialties, such as corporation law, patent law, and tax law, often draw up documents and prepare tax returns.
Many major corporations employ full-time attorneys to handle their legal affairs. Paralegals assist them in tasks such as preparing financial reports, employee contracts, and employee benefit plans.
Other employers of paralegals are government agencies and community legal service projects.
Paralegals working in large law firms often specialize in some area of the law. The duties of paralegals in small or medium-sized law firms often vary from day to day.
Places of employment and working conditions
Most paralegals work for private law firms. Another large employer is the federal government. Some also work for state and local governments. A small number of paralegals work for corporations such as banks, real estate companies, and insurance companies.
Paralegals working for large law firms often work very long hours and are under a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines. Those working for corporations and the government usually work about 40 hours a week.
Entry-level paralegals often become frustrated with their jobs because of the routine tasks they are assigned. However, as paralegals gain experience, they are often given more responsible, challenging tasks.
Qualifications, education, and training
Paralegals must be able to think logically and communicate effectively in both speaking and writing. They must have good research skills and understand legal terminology.
There are no formal educational requirements, but most employers prefer to hire paralegals with training from a four-year college, law school, community or junior college, business school, or proprietary school.
Most formal paralegal programs take two years to complete, but there are some bachelor's-degree programs that last four years. Another type of program can be completed in a few months if the student already has a bachelor's degree.
The course work in paralegal programs includes subjects such as law and legal research, specialized areas of the law, and legal applications for computers. Some programs offer internships that provide valuable practical experience.
Some employers prefer to provide on-the-job training for experienced legal secretaries or for workers with college education but no legal experience.
The National Association of Legal Assistants offers voluntary certification to paralegals who meet certain requirements of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these requirements then take a two-day examination; if they pass it, they earn the title certified legal assistant (CLA).
Potential and advancement
There are about 83,000 paralegals. Much growth is expected in this field, but the number of people entering the field is expected to increase significantly; there will be some competition for jobs.
The largest employers will be private law firms, but there will be more opportunities in many types of companies as they begin to realize that paralegals can perform many of the same functions as lawyers at less pay.
As paralegals gain more experience, they advance by being given more responsible, challenging, and interesting tasks. In firms with large staffs, some paralegals become managers or supervisors.
Income
Salaries for paralegals depend on the level of their education and experience, the type of employer, and the geographic location of the job.
Paralegals earn an average annual salary of about $24,900. Beginning paralegals start at an average of $20,900 a year; those with three to five years of experience earn about $24,200; and paralegals with more than ten years of experience average about $28,500.
Many paralegals also receive annual bonuses.
Additional sources of information
American Association for Paralegal Education, Overland Park, KS 66204
National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., Tulsa, OK 74119
National Paralegal Association, Solebury, PA 18963
