Salary (Median Pay)
For paralegals and legal assistants.[1]
- Salary: $52,920/yr
- Hourly Rate: $25.44/hr
Duties and Responsibilities
- Analyze files and records;
- Assist with case planning and trial preparation;
- Draft and prepare a wide range of legal documents;
- Communicate with witnesses and assist with preparation of witness testimony;
- Compile trial exhibits, files, notebooks, and other documents;
- Conduct legal research and investigations;
- Coordinate subpoena deliveries;
- Database management;
- File documents with courts;
- Issue legal correspondence;
- Manages discovery between parties;
- Manages electronic and physical filing systems;
- Manages the lawyer or firm’s legal library; and
- Schedule meetings, interviews, mediations, and evaluations.
Qualifications
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure;
- Associate’s degree (or higher) in paralegal studies or equivalent work experience or completion of a formal paralegal program;
- Basic understanding of legal principles and proceedings;
- Hyper-organized;
- Fundamentals of business mathematics;
- Fundamentals of legal writing;
- Knowledge of relevant State Bar Law;
- Advanced multi-tasking skills; and
- Refined written and verbal communication skills.
How to Become a Paralegal (4 steps)
3. Get Certified
Complete an American Bar Association-approved paralegal education program.