Paralegal
What does a Paralegal do?
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants work under the direction of lawyers.
Paralegals help Lawyers in the performance of legal services.
- Duties may include: preparing and interpreting legal documents;
interviewing clients for information; preparing for trial; managing and
organizing documents; interpreting and indexing documents.
- Legal Assistants may perform any task delegated by the Lawyer except
give legal advice, appear in court, accept cases, or set fees.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Laobr
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work for lawyers and law firms, for ****s,
corporations, professional trade associations, government agencies and the
military. Some are freelance under the supervision of attorneys.
Preparation:
A high school education and some college training or course work are required
by most employers. Most employers prefer workers with a BA degree. Training
programs vary from on-the-job training to four-year programs. Some enter this
field by working in a related occupation, such as Legal Secretary. Those
desiring a certificate must complete a two-year associate degree program. Some
training and experience may be acquired in the military. College preparatory-is
preferred by many employers.
Educational Program(s):
Related Programs: English and Literature, Law
Web Resources:
EDD Laobr
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
ONet Online
Career Info Net
Career Center
The National Association of Legal Assistants
National Federation of Paralegals
Association
American Association for Paralegal
Education