Paralegal Duties and Job Details

Paralegals can do a lot of what lawyers do, except for actually practicing law, the Degree Source website states. For someone who wants to work in the legal field without completing a law degree, a paralegal career could be an excellent choice. The federal government predicts faster than average growth in the number of paralegal jobs, but also increasing competition for positions.

Function

• Paralegals, the U.S. Department of Labor states, help lawyers prepare for cases by researching laws and court precedents, writing reports, investigating the facts and preparing briefs and documentation for the courtroom. They may also help draft documents such as contracts and mortgages, manage and organize databases and handle financial affairs for legal clients. They cannot give legal advice or present cases in court, both of which are the province of lawyers.

Types

• Paralegals work for many employers besides law firms, the Department of Labor states. Other possible employers include insurance companies, corporate legal departments and the executive branch of the federal government. Seventy-one percent of paralegals work for law firms, however.

Considerations

• New paralegals' work is mostly routine, according to the Department of Labor. Most paralegals work a 40 hour week, though law-firm employees may put in long hours before major trials. Paralegals usually receive paid vacation, sick leave, retirement plans and other benefits.

Preparations

• More than 1,000 colleges offer paralegal training programs, according to the Department of Labor. These programs offer associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and certification. If you study with a program approved by the American Bar Association, it may help when you go job-hunting. There are several national associations of paralegals that offer certification tests, which can also help your professional standing.

Prospects

• The Department of Labor projects the number of paralegal jobs will increase 28 percent between 2008 and 2018, as employers cut the cost of legal services by making more use of paralegals. The median wage varies from $44,000 to $58,000 depending on who the paralegals are working for; the top 10 percent of paralegals earn more than $73,000.