|
Paralegals, often called Legal Assistants, aid lawyers by helping them prepare for trials and hearings. While those who are paralegals cannot give legal advice, they can perform much of the research and legal paperwork needed to prepare for trials.
If you choose a legal assistant career, you will likely prepare reports, correspondence, draft legal documents, coordinate research, and review legal forms for accuracy.
There are many skills required of those who choose a career as 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 Education and Training
Although there are no official requirements to become a paralegal at this time, most do 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. |
Typical Paralegal Education
Source: onetonline.org
|
|
|
19% |
Some College, No Degree |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Paralegal Salaries:
According to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program, the average annual salary for paralegals in May 2010 was $46,480.
 More Paralegal Salary information
Salaries according to the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program - May 2010 |
Average Paralegal Salary
(Annual in USD) |
|
|
|
Take the Paralegal Traits & Skills Quiz
|
Find out if you have the right skill set to become a paralegal. Take our quick paralegal traits & skills quiz.
There are 30 questions and at the end the quiz gives you a good idea if you have what it takes to become a paralegal. Try it!
The quiz gives you a great feel for what working as a paralegal is like.
|
|
|
Duties of a Paralegal:
If you choose a career as a legal assistant, you will have to perform legal prep work for attorneys including researching, investigating, and preparing legal documentation.
Paralegals can do many tasks, but 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.
More on Paralegal Job Description
|
|
