Paralegal / Legal Assistant

What To Expect

Paralegals, or legal assistants, assist lawyers with court cases. Paralegals help lawyers prepare for cases by researching and investigating information. Paralegals also draft legal contracts, such as mortgages and separation agreements. Although paralegals are forbidden from giving legal advice, they are involved in most aspects of the legal field.

Paralegals work in law offices under the direction of lawyers. At the beginning of their career, they handle daily tasks around the office. As they gain experience they are given more responsibility involving more prestigious tasks. Paralegals may also travel at times to research and verify facts. Experienced paralegals working in large law firms, corporate legal departments and government firms may even assign work to other paralegals and office staff.

Recommended Qualifications

Most employers require paralegals to have at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Some employers may be willing to train paralegals on the job. However, paralegals with formal training can expect better job opportunities.

The road to becoming a paralegal often starts at a community college paralegal program. Upon completion of the program, which leads to an associate's degree, one must earn a certificate in paralegal studies. Certificate programs vary greatly and usually take a few months to complete. Some schools also offer bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies.

Employment opportunities for paralegals are expected to be great, although it is a competitive field. Paralegals with formal training will have the best employment opportunities. In the next decade, there will be a greater demand for paralegals specializing in fields such as bankruptcy, real estate, medical malpractice and product liability.