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Average
Salary & Job Outlook
Paralegal
Median wages (2005)
$41,170 annually
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
The median annual salary for a paralegal or legal assistant
was $41,170 including bonuses in 2005. Because
these positions are in high demand and because of their competitive
nature, salaries are expected to increase yearly. Salaries
usually depend on the kind of education and experience the
paralegal has. The type and size of employer and job location
also affect the salary of a paralegal and legal assistant.
Employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to
grow much faster than average over the next ten years. Law firms
are hiring more paralegals and legal assistants to free up lawyers
time and many companies are creating internal legal departments
to lower costs. |
What
are paralegals and legal assistants?
If you’re fascinated by the legal system,
or like research, a well paying career as a paralegal
or legal assistant may be a good choice for you.
Paralegals do everything a lawyer does, short of
practicing law; that is setting legal fees, giving
legal advice and presenting cases in court. Because paralegals and legal assistants
have so many responsibilities, it is important for them to get a paralegal education before starting in the work field.
What do paralegals and legal assistants
do?
Paralegals and legal assistants responsibilities
will vary depending on the type of company they work
for. Most work for law firms, corporate legal
departments and government organizations. From
the company level, areas of focus and specialties
are broken down into a myriad of topics.
Duties
of a paralegal or legal assistant include:
- Assisting
lawyers prepare for hearings, trials or corporate
meetings
- Fact checking and investigation
- Researching case
law
- Writing case summaries
- Preparation and organization
of case research, notes and legal documents
- Drafting
legal documents like mortgages, contracts and instruments
of trust
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