About The Paralegal Profession

A Growing Need for Paralegals

There is a demand for paralegals nationwide. Paralegals are vital to the legal community with numbers totaling 90,000 and still growing. The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics anticipates that the paralegal job market will double in size.

What Do Paralegals Do?

Paralegals work side by side with lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. They often complete forms, prepare legal documents, interview clients & witnesses, perform legal research, and assist with investigations.

Where Do Paralegals Work?

Paralegals work everywhere. You will find them in law offices, legal departments in banks, brokerage houses, real estate offices, government, and corporations. Some paralegals prefer helping others and choose family law or legal aid. Others like the excitement of the court room and enter litigation. There are many people with nursing and health backgrounds who prefer personal injury, medical malpractice, or worker's compensation law.

Who Trains to Become a Paralegal?

The legal assistant or paralegal field is open to both men and women of any age regardless of work history and prior education. High school graduates choose paralegal training to start an exciting first career. Homemakers who want a new career often choose to become paralegals. The legal field is popular with career changers. These people bring administrative and management skills that increase their success in the law field. Nurses and health care professionals often become paralegals. They can use their medical backgrounds in a law office. Teachers train to become paralegals. Their educational skills are put to good use when explaining forms and procedures to clients.

Debbie Acevedo
Paralegal