Top Administrative Assistant Degrees: Paralegal

What Will You Do as a Paralegal?

Paralegals help lawyers by performing almost any day-to-day task a lawyer can delegate to them. This may include

• Reviewing the facts of cases to make sure that all important information is included
• Writing reports that lawyers use to help prepare their cases
• Tracking documents related to the case
• Writing contracts and mortgages
• Preparing income tax returns or other financial documents.

As a paralegal, you'll spend much time on the computer. You should enjoy doing research. In law firms, some paralegals work very long hours. Most paralegal work is done at desks in offices and law libraries, but sometimes travel is included.

Paralegal Schools: Your Gateway to Paralegal Jobs
Most professionals in the field attend a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. A small number of schools offer bachelor�s and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Some get their positions by on-the-job training.

Being certified by a legal organization can help you get a job. This may require education, work experience, and passing a test. Some work as interns at law firms while going to school. This experience can help them get a full-time job later.

Where are Paralegal Jobs?
There were about 200,000 jobs for paralegals and legal assistants in 2002. About 7 out of 10 worked for law firms, others worked for companies or the government.

The number of jobs for paralegals, according to the Department of Labor, is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, as law firms delegate more work to their paralegal staff to control costs. Competition for paralegal jobs is keen. Your best chance is to get formal training or related work experience.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegal
http://bls.gov/k12/law05.htm

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Paralegal:
http://bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

National Federation of Paralegal Associations:
http://www.paralegals.org/

Paralegal: Understanding the Career for Students:
http://bls.gov/k12/law05.htm