Paralegal Careers

Paralegal careers offer candidates full or part time employment, and although the majority of positions are long term, firms may enlist the service of paralegals during peak times and release associates after business has stabilized.  The majority of a paralegal’s responsibilities are completed within the comfort of offices and accredited research sites.  As with many careers in the legal industry, increased stress and extended hours are associated with meeting deadlines for trials, hearings, closings, etc.  Professionals entering the industry will generally begin their career by completing a number of mundane tasks, but responsibilities grow with knowledge and skill. 

Experts are expecting staggering rates, including a 33% increase in paralegal occupational growth, which is much more favorable than the 14% growth projected for other industries.  As employers are attempting to reduce client costs and increase firm productivity, they may choose to employ more paralegals and less attorneys or lawyers to complete the daily tasks necessary for legal proceedings.  Flexibility is often needed for success in these occupations, because associates may be requested to work late hours or weekends on short notice, or travel as necessary. 

The duties of a paralegal vary, depending upon the employing law firm, but tasks are much more involved and demanding than typical clerical positions.  These professionals are employed to assist attorneys and lawyers with all actions.  While these professions require associates to carry out many of the same responsibilities as attorneys, they are regulated by the government and there are many duties that must be carried out only by a lawyer.  Duties of a paralegal commonly include locating and interviewing witnesses, drafting documents and pleadings, researching legal activities and documents, and composing client/associate correspondence, ensuring the documents express no personal opinions and clearly state that they were composed by a lesser authority than an attorney.  Paralegals report directly to lawyers, and must have a thorough knowledge of the legal system.  These professionals are expected to attend depositions, hearings, closings, and other proceedings in order to assist lawyers and deliver services as necessary. 

Professionals are not permitted to practice without licensure, therefore formal training is necessary for entrance into these occupations.  Most commonly, candidates obtain an associates degree in a paralegal program, but certificate, bachelors, and masters programs are also available.  Upon completing a desired program, professionals must pass a national exam to begin practicing as a paralegal.  Professionals are governed by specific ethical requirements, and must have an immense knowledge of many practices.  Paralegals obtain much of their training on the job, and entry candidates gain responsibilities with additional work experience.  Due to the large number of openings expected, many professionals will have success with their paralegal job search. 

For more information on a career as a paralegal, please visit the following sites:

• Kaplan
• American Association for Paralegal Education
• The National Association of Legal Assistants
• Wikipedia
• Legal Assistant Today

If you are interested in finding a paralegal career, or are looking to hire a paralegal for your firm, please visit iHireLegal.  We are a niche job board focusing only on positions and candidates within the legal industry.