Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, play a large role in the legal system. They not only keep prices low for clients, but they also help those they work for in tremendous ways.
Throughout this article, we’ll discuss a couple different things about paralegals and why they’re such a key person in today’s growing job market. Some topics we’ll discuss include:
- The paralegal job description
- The average paralegal salary
- Paralegal certification
- And where you should start if you desire to become one
Job Description
The paralegal is known for their help in providing legal services to attorneys, law offices, government agencies and other entities. They perform substantive legal work for these organizations to allow for their supervisors to:
- Keep their fees lower
- Focus on more important matters
- Receive more clients than they would normally consider taking
Legal assistants play a key role in the day-to-day activities of most law firms. They are a great resource to have, and anybody not utilizing one of these professionals is losing out on many important services. Some of these services include:
- Writing reports of anything that was researched and investigated for lawyers to better use in court
- Preparation of draft pleadings and legal arguments for lawsuits
- Obtaining affidavits
- Taking notes during trials for attorney’s use
- Helping to draft contracts, divorce agreements, business acquisitions, etc.
- Preparation of tax returns
Average Paralegal Salary
According to the well-researched and solid organization, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average paralegal pay is $50,080 per year. One thing to take into consideration is the fact that the average annual income for this career depends upon a couple factors. One, your salary differs depending upon which state you work in. Two, you could be making far less pay if you are freelancing and low on clients. But there is much possibility to make over $90K per year if you’re freelancing and your network of clients are numerous. Three, the amount of training you’ve received (and whether or not you possess a paralegal certification) could determine your wage as well.
Legal Assistant Certificate
Gaining your paralegal certification could be the determining factor in getting yourself hired at the next government agency. Although many states do not require that you obtain your paralegal certificate, it would be one of the most intelligent things you will ever do. Employers look at these as if they were looking at gold. Don’t hesitate, get your certificate ASAP.
Where You Should Begin
If this career path interests you, then I would suggest beginning with your education. Find out as much information as possible about this profession on the Internet. Then seek out an American Bar Association approved program, whether that’s in a college or at your local YMCA, and go through it.
After gaining a proper ABA-approved education, seek out training. This would best come in the form of an internship or volunteer experience. Your education and training are key to your success. Don’t take them lightly.
Conclusion
Why paralegals? Well, because! These professionals are amazing at what they do, and they affect so many people within the legal system, whether that’s the clients or the business owners. If you’re interested in this as a vocation, you won’t be disappointed.