Behind every Perry Mason, is a whiz paralegal. As lawsuits pile up, corporate and law firms are turning to paralegals (also known as legal assistants) to slash costs in many law offices, and as the legal field continues to expand into the 21st century, both job prospects and average salaries for these important professionals continue to rise.
Paralegals support attorney functions in many ways, like prepping legal cases by ... researching and compiling relevant documents and data; writing reports analyzing the material they have collected; archiving all legal documents in electronic databases; and miscellaneous administrative work, like arranging company events or maintaining financial records
Though an entry-level paralegal's work may involve a lot of administrative support, an experienced and/or talented paralegal may be given more serious responsibilities. This could include drafting legal arguments, motions to be filed, or even plans for estates and trust funds. Many paralegals are also public notaries.
Because of the specialized knowledge required for the job, candidates with a background in legal studies and/or training in paralegal work will have the best job prospects. Programs in Law and/or Legal Studies address the function, organization, and processes of the judicial system. Through training and internship opportunities, they also prepare students for their future careers in the field.
A novelty in the 1960s, paralegal jobs are projected to grow 27% through 2014. That means they are taking on more work that has traditionally been reserved for attorneys. Experienced and talented paralegals can make a great living and have a challenging career for years to come.
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