A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant or paralegal specialist, is a professional who performs tasks that require knowledge of legal concepts but not the full expertise of a lawyer with a license to practice law. Paralegals work under the supervision of a lawyer and perform tasks such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and organizing files. They may also specialize in other legal areas, such as personal injury, criminal law, employee benefits, intellectual property, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate. Specific job duties may vary by the size of the law firm, and after gaining experience, a paralegal may become responsible for more complicated tasks.
To become a paralegal, one can qualify through education, training, or work experience. The minimum requirement for a paralegal is usually an associates degree in paralegal studies, although some employers may accept a bachelor's degree in any field. Paralegals may also obtain certification through a professional organization, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) .
The job outlook for paralegals is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 10% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. The median annual wage for paralegals was $52,920 in May 2020.
