What is a Paralegal?

While there are many positive aspects of paralegal work, it can also present challenges. Paralegals can face a heavy workload, which is why it is so important to have strong time management skills in this role. They are often responsible for many cases simultaneously and need to prioritize their work to ensure it is all completed on time. 

In some situations, they may also have to work long hours to meet client expectations and case deadlines. Paralegal work requires patience and organizational skills to meet strict timeframes. 

Overall, paralegals are responsible for understanding complex topics, terminology, rules and procedures that can change. They must be willing to keep up with changing laws and regulations and apply those to their work. 

Depending on the field paralegals choose to work in, it can also be an emotionally draining job. This is because clients may be going through a difficult situation themselves, like divorce, custody issues or facing criminal charges. Paralegals may find it challenging to address these issues on a regular basis. 

Unfortunately, clients can sometimes cause conflict which requires the paralegal to have strong conflict resolution skills and an ability to explain processes in a way that is easily understandable to those who are unfamiliar with their work. Again, it's important to have effective communication skills to manage client expectations and resolve difficult situations that arise. 

Finally, for those who want to grow their career as a legal professional, they may feel that their advancement opportunities are limited compared to a lawyer’s career path. But paralegals who do decide to go to law school and become lawyers may find the path a little easier than others. A paralegal’s exposure to the legal system and substantive areas of the law, coupled with their legal research and writing skills, are all part of a law school’s curriculum and may be easier to master given the paralegal’s prior knowledge. And while admission to a law school program requires completion of a bachelor’s degree program, an accredited bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies can satisfy this requirement.

Despite the challenges paralegals sometimes face, many find their work to be fulfilling and they choose to stay in paralegal positions for their entire career.

As a paralegal, your options for work environment are not limited to a large law firm. While law firms are one of the primary employers of paralegals, there are a variety of firms and industries that might employ you. Each employer comes with a unique working environment.

For example, corporations and businesses of all sizes need legal help and advice to draft contracts and settle disputes. A corporate paralegal’s workplace could be an in-house legal department located within the headquarters of the company. In this environment, you may interact freely with others in the legal department as well as HR, IT, and senior-level managers.

Federal, state, and local governments also employ paralegals to help support these organizations’ myriad of lawyers in various agencies. Working for a federal agency, such as the IRS, might mean working in an agency headquarters in Washington, D.C. Conversely, working for a state public defender’s office may mean supporting one or two attorneys located in a small rural office.

Nonprofit organizations, like legal aid, need paralegal assistance too. These entities may provide pro bono services to underserved populations or perform public interest work. 

Paralegals may also choose to work for insurance companies that need help with claims management and litigation related to insurance coverage. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions often employ paralegals as well. This work may include contract review and dispute resolution.  

Real estate law firms and title companies also hire paralegals to help with real estate transactions, including closings and other property development projects. 

There are also opportunities for paralegal professionals to work for colleges and universities who need teaching assistants for the newest individuals entering the legal field.

If a paralegal decides that they would like to be self-employed, that is also an option. They can work on a contract basis for lawyers, legal departments and individuals who need assistance. 

Not all employment opportunities require the paralegal to be physically present in a workspace, though. There is a growing market for paralegals who are willing to work remotely from anywhere in the United States where they have a stable internet connection. Other firms and businesses might offer paralegals a hybrid work environment that requires them to come into the office one or two days per week and allows the paralegal to work the rest of the week remotely.

In short, there is no shortage of diverse workplace options for paralegals in today’s job market.

While paralegal salaries can vary based on where the paralegal is located and their education and experience, the current median paralegal annual salary is $66,091. This can increase depending on whether the paralegal specializes in one or more areas of competency such as contract law, oil and gas law, or criminal defense. Some entities, such as the federal government and larger legal departments and firms pay higher salaries than smaller, boutique law firms.

The salary a paralegal can command will also depend on location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals in states like California, Washington, and New York can expect an annual mean wage between $63,580 and $91,880. 

Conversely, the annual median salary for paralegals in states like New Mexico, Kentucky, and Kansas ranges from $40,810 to $53,440.

Some cities and the corresponding average salary for paralegals in those cities include:

• Los Angeles, with an average annual salary of $70,502

• New York City, whose paralegals have an average salary of $67,573

• Miami, with an average annual salary for paralegals that is $63,909

• Dodge City, Kansas, where paralegals can find an average annual salary of $49,879

• Boise, Idaho, and its average annual salary of $59,951

While these figures may be far below the average attorney salary of $127,990, it must be remembered that the cost of obtaining a paralegal certificate, associate’s degree, or even bachelor’s degree is far less than the financial investment required to become an attorney.

As of June 2023, the career outlook for paralegals is strong. Currently, there are more than 400,000 paralegals employed in the United States and the job market for paralegals is expected to grow through 2028. 

While their work can vary depending on their location and the needs of the organization they work for, there is a growing need for professionals who can support attorneys by assisting them with legal tasks. 

Paralegals may specialize in certain areas, like criminal law, family law, property law or corporate law. Companies and law firms often seek out paralegals with specific experience who can readily assist with a heavy workload. With work experience and additional education or certification, they also have the option to become supervisory paralegals or senior paralegals. 

Overall, paralegals are sought after in the legal market and the future of the industry is strong. They have the opportunity to learn, provide essential support to lawyers and clients, and grow professionally and personally. 

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