According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for paralegals will grow by
15% through 2026, which is faster than most other positions.
The BLS states that the average annual salary for paralegals is $50,000. However,
salary can increase depending on your law specialty and your experience level.
WHAT DOES A PARALEGAL DO?
Paralegals perform many duties that attorneys also perform themselves. Paralegals
can conduct legal research; draft contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents;
answer client questions and help prepare for trial.
IS PARALEGAL A GOOD JOB?
U.S. News and World Report listed paralegal as #2 on its list of “Best Jobs that Don’t
Require a College Degree.” Paralegals were also included on the “The 100 Best Jobs”
list overall based on the salary, job market, potential growth and work-life balance.
CAN PARALEGALS SPECIALIZE?
Yes. Paralegals can choose to specialize in different types of law such as criminal,
family, immigration, real estate, etc.
IS A PARALEGAL THE SAME AS A LEGAL SECRETARY?
No. Paralegals are responsible for performing many of the tasks an attorney would
do otherwise, such as conducting legal research or preparing a case file. They are
often viewed as an extension of the attorney. Legal secretaries fill a more administrative
role within the law firm.
CAN PARALEGALS WORK IN ANY STATE?
Yes. Paralegals can work in any state because unlike attorneys, paralegals are not
bound to a specific state licensing board. In other words, a paralegal certification
is valuable nationwide.
CAN YOU GO FROM BEING A PARALEGAL TO A LAWYER?
Yes, you can go from a paralegal to a lawyer. Starting as a paralegal can provide
great insight into how the legal system works. However, you will need a bachelor’s
degree before you can apply for law school and pass a state bar exam.
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Casey Thompson
Casey Thompson is a licensed attorney in Texas. Before he started teaching, his major
areas of practice were business and corporate law, entertainment law and intellectual
property rights. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech
University and holds a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law.
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
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