Paralegals or legal assistants have a wide variety of job duties and often perform many of the same tasks that a lawyer performs. In addition to investigating case facts, judicial decisions, and other materials, paralegals also prepare and organize documentation for court hearings, trials, meetings, and other business dealings. During legal proceedings, paralegals usually assist attorneys with arguments, pleadings, and motions.
Paralegals hold a variety of jobs depending upon their education level and job experience. Nevertheless, there are typically two types of paralegals: litigation paralegals and corporate paralegals.
Litigation paralegals have many different responsibilities, but spend most of their time preparing for trial. Besides organizing documents needed for motions, briefs, depositions, etc, litigation paralegals also interview witnesses, research and investigate case facts, and much more. Lawyers are increasingly turning to paralegals for assistance. A litigation paralegal can do almost everything that a lawyer can do except give legal advice and present cases in court.
Corporate paralegals also have many different responsibilities, all of which vary depending upon the type of organization that employs them. Typical duties include assisting lawyers with shareholder agreements, contracts, benefit plans, financial reports, loan paperwork, etc. In some cases, paralegals may be responsible for ensuring that the corporation complies with ever-changing government regulations and laws.
Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals. Nearly seven out of ten paralegals are employed by these firms. The remaining paralegals are typically employed by corporate legal departments, courts, banks, community organizations, real estate firms, and insurance companies
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The law (in most U.S. states) does not currently dictate a minimum education requirement for paralegals. As such, many working paralegals have varying levels of education. In the past, on-the-job training was the norm, but over the years paralegal schools have become more common. Nowadays, employers are more apt to hire someone who has attended a paralegal school as opposed to someone who has not.
It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 schools that offer paralegal training programs. The admission requirements for each program vary depending upon the school and the degree.
Programs that are offered at paralegal schools include certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs, and four-year bachelor degree programs. Some schools also offer a master’s degree in paralegal studies.
Though certification is not required, it will certainly assist in securing employment. Paralegal certificate programs can usually be completed within a few months or less. Certification is complete after passing an exam that is administered by one of the paralegal associations.
In addition to certification and schooling, some paralegals also participate in advanced certification programs. These programs offer certification in specialty areas such as business and commercial law, estate planning, real estate, tax and probate, etc. This type of certification, though valuable, often requires ongoing certification maintenance through continuing legal education.
The paralegal profession is expected to be one of the fastest growing professions in the coming years. The demand for paralegals will only continue to grow as they perform many of the jobs traditionally handled by lawyers. Employment opportunities will be competitive. Paralegals who graduated from paralegal schools will have the best opportunities.
Earnings for paralegals vary depending upon education level, experience, geographic location, and the type of employer. The median annual earnings for paralegals are as follows:
Federal Government- $60,000
Local Government- $39,000
Legal Services- $38,000
State Government- $35,000