Now that you know you have a lot of options, you`re ready to take the next step to learn more about what the profession really is. Get the insider scoop from experienced experts in our article « What I wish I had known BEFORE I became a paralegal ». Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential to becoming an excellent paralegal. Precision in language is a goal. Paralegals must be able to reflect on their feet and give or write a complete thought or sentence in a clear and grammatically correct sentence. Computer skills are also very important in this challenging field, especially knowledge of Microsoft Office products, case management systems, e-filing and eDiscovery, as well as good keyboard and organizational skills. Working as a paralegal in this area of law requires exceptional attention to detail and multitasking skills, as typical paralegal tasks (such as filing documents or drafting leases) often focus on important legal documents and contracts. In this sense, a real estate paralegal is a good choice for people who want to work with documents. Unlike other states, California requires its paralegals to meet certain experiential and educational qualifications. California paralegals must also meet continuing education requirements. Paralegals and paralegals earned a median annual salary of $56,230 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The paralegal profession has grown tremendously since its introduction in the 1960s. Today, more than 285,600 paralegals work in the United States. In addition, paralegal jobs are expected to grow much faster than the average from 2016 to 2026. 1 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, online at www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (accessed 2 January 2019). Paralegals are generally not required to obtain certification or licensing, but paralegal certifications do exist. While not mandatory, obtaining a voluntary paralegal certification can make you more competitive in the job market, validate your skills, and even lead to higher earning potential. Employers sometimes use the term legal assistant to refer to paralegals, but the two professions are different.

The job description of a legal assistant emphasizes office work. Paralegals focus on legal tasks and directly assist lawyers. A lawyer passed the bar exam and obtained a state license to practice law. A paralegal has not been licensed and cannot practise law without the close supervision of a licensed lawyer. Simply put, paralegals can take on many of the legal tasks that a lawyer would perform as long as they supervise them. The only exceptions are tasks prohibited by law. For many, becoming a paralegal is a much easier way to get into the legal field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that paralegal employment will grow by 10%, more than double the national average growth rate.1 These optimistic prospects, coupled with the relatively short educational pathway, could make it the perfect balance you`re looking for. In addition, there are also many less formal opportunities for paralegals to gain knowledge, education and training through means such as paralegal networking, continuing education courses, and even legal conferences. Most of the duties of a paralegal require the supervision or approval of a licensed lawyer.

Typical tasks include drafting legal documents, correlating with clients, and researching relevant laws and cases. Since paralegals handle multiple cases at once, they require strong multitasking and organizational skills. Paralegals are an integral part of the legal profession and not all are created equal. Understanding the different opportunities can help you harness your strengths, become invaluable to the right legal team, and advance your career. A paralegal is a legal professional who does preparatory work for cases, such as researching laws, drafting legal documents, and helping lawyers prepare for court proceedings. You can bill clients for services provided in the same way as lawyers. Before delinating into the different areas of law, it is important to understand the fundamental role of a paralegal and the responsibilities he or she assumes. In general, the job of a paralegal is to assist lawyers in the day-to-day tasks that keep a firm running smoothly. So if you`re just as comfortable working with people and paperwork, a paralegal job in estate planning and estate planning is worth considering. Do you feel comfortable working with people who are grieving or who are going through other types of sensitive situations? Are you also good at details and numbers? If this describes you, pursuing a position as an estate planning and succession paralegal may be the way to go. There are many types of paralegals you can become – here are some areas that different types of paralegals can focus on. Paralegals assist licensed lawyers in various tasks in law firms and other legal environments.

They work directly with the public and perform legal functions rather than acting as office assistants.