The paralegal job field is one of the fastest growing career fields around.
Paralegals, often called Legal Assistants, aid lawyers by helping them prepare for trials and hearings. While paralegals cannot give legal advice, they can perform much of the research and legal paperwork needed to prepare for trials.
Paralegals often prepare reports, correspondence, draft legal documents, coordinate research, and review legal forms for accuracy. There are many skills required of a paralegal, including; good writing and communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and work quickly meeting deadlines. Paralegals need good computer skills in order to perform many of their duties.
Paralegal Facts and Stats:
Paralegal Job Duties:
Paralegals perform legal prep work for attorneys including researching, investigating, and preparing legal documentation. They may not give legal advice, set legal fees, and present cases in court.
Paralegal Work Environment:
7 out of 10 paralegals work in a law firm.
Paralegal Education and Training:
Although there are no official requirements to become a paralegal at this time, most have formal training often in the form of a degree. Most paralegals have either an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies or a Bachelor's Degree in another field along with a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Higher than the average career as it makes sense to lower costs by having paralegals perform the tasks lawyers have done in the past.
Paralegal Salaries:
According to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program, paralegals earn an average salary ranging from $33,920 and $54,690.
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