Paralegal

What do they do?

attorney

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. 

Click here to view the full Paralegal Career Pathway.

Some typical job duties include:

  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems. 
  • Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
  • Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals and contracts.
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
  • Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decision and legal articles, codes and documents. 
  • Investigate facts and law of cases, and search pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases. 

Most Important Occupational Skills:

Basic Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing

Technical Skills

  • Operation Analysis
  • Operation Monitoring

Social Skills

  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness

 Systems Skills

  •  Judgment and Decision Making
  •  Systems Analysis
  •  Systems Evaluation

Problem Solving Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving 

Resource Management Skills

  • Time Management
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Management of Financial Resources

Just the Facts

  • Salary range: $20,000-$100,000+
  • Education and Professional Requirements: High school degree for entry, with associate's degree or multiple years of related work experience and professional certifications for advancement. 
  • Possible career path: Junior Paralegal/Legal Assistant > Senior Paralegal/Legal Assistant > Attorney > Senior Attorney > General Counsel

Click here to view the full Paralegal Career Pathway.

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