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Home » Uncategorized »
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Paralegal
Paralegals or legal assistants assist attorneys. They perform similar work as attorneys. Paralegals conduct research to provide attorneys with vital facts.
Paralegals search for statutes and prior cases in legal texts and computer databases. Then, they prepare summaries for attorneys preparing for trials. They also organize relevant documents.
Paralegals’ duties usually depend on specialty. For example, certain paralegals assist lawyers preparing trusts and contracts. Some specialize in financial and tax documents.
Paralegals usually work 40 hour weeks. Most are employed year round, but certain paralegals only work when attorneys have large caseloads. Many paralegals at law firms work long days. Paralegals spend the majority of their time in law offices and libraries.
How do you prepare for this career?
There are various methods to begin a career as a paralegal. Paralegals usually complete a 2 year program at a community college, but some complete programs at state colleges and universities. Some obtain bachelor’s degrees in other subjects.
Some paralegals learn from real life experience. Occasionally, legal secretaries get promoted to work as paralegals.
Paralegals must be effective writers and researchers. Additionally, they must understand how to utilize computers. Paralegals work closely with other members of the community, so they must be courteous. They also must be moral and truthful.
To prepare for this career, students should enroll in English and social science courses to improve research and writing skills. Those desiring to work as paralegals must have good reading skills.
How much will I earn?
Salaries for paralegals and legal assistants in the 50th percentile made between $33,920-54,690 annually during 2008. Those in the lower 10th percentile made $27,450 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $67,540 or more annually.
Salaries for paralegals differ greatly. Those employed by big firms or working in large urban areas make more money.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, nearly 238,000 paralegals were employed. The majority were employed by law firms. Some paralegals were employed by government agencies or other organizations.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to increase quicker than average growth in other industries until 2016. Attorneys at law firms will need more paralegals to assist them with trial preparation. Additionally, many individuals and companies will seek legal assistance. However, many people want to work as paralegals, so competition for these jobs will be intense.
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