For the paralegals who are looking to take on the state and federal agencies as employers, they are known as a government paralegal. Paralegal Alternative titles for this job include Legal assistant, property assistant, contracts assistant. Career tips. The paralegal industry has changed significantly since the 1970s when being a legal assistant first emerged as a bona fide career. Now, here I am. A paralegal is trained in legal matters and assists lawyers with researching facts for cases, preparing documents, maintaining files, and preparing for trial. My career options. Maybe you’ve been a litigation paralegal for several years (or corporate paralegal, real estate paralegal…fill in any practice area here) and you’re looking for a career change. As of 2015, there were approximately 271,930 paralegals employed across the United States.8 With an occupational growth rate of 8%, this number is expected to reach 293,684 by 2024.8. Find out more. Paralegals assist lawyers by performing administrative tasks, such as preparing reports and organizing files. Whatever area of the law you’re most interested in pursuing, there is a paralegal career that is right for you. They can also be utilized for training and compliance awareness for the corporation in the place of legal counsel. As the name of this specialty might suggest, criminal law paralegals focus on the laws and processes that apply to criminal proceedings. Students can find support and tips concerning paralegal education and the profession through professional organizations such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals (NALA). You'll find it useful to have some understanding of how the legal system works. 3 Career Options For Paralegals. The salary average for a family law paralegal is $55,000 according to Indeed.com. It is very helpful therefore, to consider these options as your career progresses, even from the beginning. PPCC Paralegal/Legal Assistant graduates may earn median salaries of $50,410 a year. But when you start looking into a paralegal career, there’s a wide range of options, and those options go up with a bachelor’s in paralegal studies. Government Paralegal Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Are you questioning your value and…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Paralegal career option? Employment Paralegal Paralegals can often find work as administrative assistants and consultants. The highest-earning 10% of paralegals earn an average of $79,010 while the lowest-earning 10% earn less than $30,670.7 Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn lower than the median in most instances. Paralegals also have the option of using their legal knowledge in related careers, such as legal journalism, where they can write for legal blogs and websites or use their writing skills to author textbooks and novels. Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice to clients. One of the most common, and perhaps even the best option for a paralegal is to join a law firm. Their programs must be ABA-approved before obtaining employment with a government agency. Overall, the paralegal job market looks vibrant for those who would choose the paralegal or legal assistant profession. You can find out more about paralegal careers from the Institute of Paralegals and the National Association of Licenced Paralegals. 1. Although many candidates choose to be paralegals, there are several other career options with a degree in paralegal studies. The criminal law paralegal is one of the types of jobs for paralegals that is available across the nation. While a real estate paralegal only needs a paralegal certification, a background in real estate and the different laws is highly recommended by law firms who work primarily in this sect of the legal industry. There is no shortage of need for skilled and educated paralegal professionals. Paralegals can gain this knowledge by working … CA$37k - CA$56k (Glassdoor Est.) Erin Brockovich, played by Julia Roberts in the 2000 film by the same name, is a smart, sassy paralegal. Having advanced computer and communication skills are also essential as this specialty requires more hands-on than others. Also, paralegal jobs are unlikely to be outsourced because a physical presence is required for job activities like filing important documents and attending hearings or dispositions. paralegals now have numerous career options with increasing levels of … Other people are driven to teach and know that a Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies is a requirement in many cases to be a … Paralegal Degrees & Programs | Globe University Find out more about paralegal studies and what degree program is the right choice for you at Globe University. These are some of the courses offered in this program. Career Options for Oregon Paralegals. Most corporate paralegals are educated at either the Associate or Bachelor level with a degree in either Paralegal studies or legal studies. Visit us today! You have developed many skills to … Find out where your subjects can take you. There are many paralegal career paths. Paralegal studies also prepare graduates for jobs in the field … The valuable paralegal certificate opens the door to working side by side with attorneys by interviewing clients, drafting documents and researching laws. elleliz12 1 elleliz12 1 Members; 1 12 posts ; Posted April 25, 2017. Paralegals assist lawyers with preparing for trials, hearings, and corporate meetings. Part-time options and… Pushor Mitchell LLP. Titles for this role include paralegal/legal assistant manager, director of practice support, and senior paralegal. For example, some paralegal specialties in demand include: Generally, whatever industry dominates an area, it will need paralegals with that industry’s legal specialization. Career Earnings Outlook. A paralegal’s primary role is to provide support to lawyers. Nationally, paralegal jobs are on the rise as law firms seek to save money by hiring more legal assistants to perform the tasks traditionally carried out by lawyers. These paralegals help attorneys stay abreast of and interpret the laws and requirements of filings and other motions for these courts. An intellectual property paralegal refers to an individual that works with developers and creators to ensure that their ideas and trademarks are their own without others taking the idea and stealing it for a profit. All Rights Reserved. This page will discuss what paralegals typically do and what they don’t do at a law office, focusing specifically on the differences between the responsibilities of a paralegal and those of a lawyer. Immigrant Paralegal 2. Farmers of North America is seeking a full-time experienced and extraordinarily ambitious Paralegal. The estate planning and probate paralegal are some of the hardest working types of paralegal jobs available in the legal field. The International Practice Management Association is an association with professional development opportunities for paralegal managers. References: 1. Career Options For Paralegals. By definition, tort does not encompass crimes that are normally prosecuted by government entities, such as assault, but could encompass such crimes if the victim brings a civil case against the assaulter. In addition to this formal education, these paralegals are expected to generate a level of management and leadership as they add to their experience. Find careers that match your personality. This helps experienced paralegals excel at helping their employers prosecute or defend cases since many criminal lawyers also focus on one area of the law. for paralegals who are extremely motivated and have good business sense, one of the most attractive options is becoming a freelance paralegal. Depending on the type of job you are looking for when you become a paralegal, there are many different options you might take. Most of these individuals have a Bachelor degree in addition to their paralegal certification. Their duties will include drafting documents, doing legal research, legal correspondence, making phone calls and conducting filing. At the brink of finishing up my high school life and I am looking at my options. Specific tasks may include: Just as important as what they DO, understanding what paralegals can’t do will tell you more about the profession and how it differs from the career and responsibilities of a lawyer. For instance, a paralegal may choose to become a library technician in a law library. Most of these real estate paralegals have gained experience for their specialty by gaining their own personal real estate license, which gives them access to the different regulations and laws at the state and federal level. Strengths tool. In bankruptcies, for example, a bankruptcy proceeding can be completed with no more than a token appearance in the courtroom in some areas. In some cases, depending on the area, a paralegal may have to obtain certain licenses or certifications to work in some industries or with certain groups. A corporate paralegal is one of the many types of paralegal jobs and it refers to a legal professional employed by a corporation to assist their legal counsel with the various case litigations that they may require. Their duties will include drafting documents, doing legal research, legal correspondence, making phone calls and conducting filing. The states of Montana and Utah show the fastest growth, while Rhode Island shows the slowest. 4,457 Paralegal jobs available on Indeed.com. See salaries, compare reviews, easily apply, and get hired. While obtaining the paralegal certification only recommends an Associate degree, these divorce paralegals build their specialties on their skill set and further education that focuses specifically on family law. Litigation Paralegal Those who wish to pursue a career as … They require oral and written communication skills, as they will frequently interact with government officials and the public. The BLS rates this as faster than average. Different paralegal specialties can lead to different types of paralegal jobs. Search 53 Paralegal jobs now available in Vancouver, BC on Indeed.com, the world's largest job site. Like most types of jobs for paralegals, there is both an education and experience component of this career. National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.: https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=1 7. A great many transferrable skills, such as writing, research, computer proficiency, organization, and communication are learned during paralegal training and honed during the early years of a paralegal’s career, making advancement a very real possibility. Since many law firms are located in urban areas, job availability is typically highest in these areas as well. Estrin, Chere B. and Stacey Hunt. Litigation paralegals are specialists in the rules, procedures, forms, and minutiae of local, state, and/or federal courts. Once you’ve received your degree and started down your paralegal career options, you may want to consider joining an association. Also, these paralegals have a background in marketing, as they work with their clients to get their products or services off of the ground and become successful. Brittain, Vicki and Terry Hull. The work that paralegals do varies based on the size and practice area of the firm at which they are employed, but commonly includes such tasks as researching case law and legal precedents; drafting correspondence with clients and the court; and filing legal documents such as exhibits, briefs, and appeals.1 A paralegal’s work is differentiated from that of legal secretaries and clerical workers in that it is more technically advanced, and is differentiated from that of lawyers as paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice to clients or represent clients in court.2 Paralegals are prepared by their training to read, interpret, and summarize case law and other legal documents and may make recommendations to the lawyers that they work with. For those who desire to take on the legal industry and file their bankruptcy, they often seek out the help of a bankruptcy paralegal for guidance and proper completion of the required paperwork. About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use and Disclaimers, National Federation of Paralegal Associations, International Practice Management Association, President of the Fort Worth Paralegal Association Katrina Lea, President of the Orange County Paralegal Association Vicky La Celle, Litigation Support Guru and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Amy L. Bowser-Rollins, President of the Western New York Paralegal Association Laura Kryta, Chicago Labor and Employment Lawyer Charles Krugel, South Carolina Labor and Employment Lawyer Kristin Gray, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, The Everything Guide to Being a Paralegal, Summary Report for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2, https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=1, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm, Researching and investigating facts or laws related to a case, Maintaining files and documents for various cases, Interviewing witnesses to gather and investigate evidence, Writing reports and compiling legal documents such as memos, briefs, depositions, or procedural motions, Working with teams of other paralegals, attorneys, and staff on cases. When working with lawyers and attorneys, the paralegal’s duties will consist mostly of case management. This page also discusses common paralegal requirements and resources by state, paralegal job descriptions, different types of paralegal careers, and salary and job outlook information for paralegals. With local, state, federal, and even regulatory statutes to contend with, corporations are constantly in need of knowledgeable lawyers and paralegals employed by the corporation and on retainer from outside of the corporation. New York: West Legal Studies, 2005. Intellectual Property Paralegal Paralegal Career options – Criminal-justice-careers.comA paralegal trains to be an assistant or legal secretary to a private practice or law firm. Paralegals assist attorneys to prepare trials, and meetings and maintain regular communication with the clients. or some alternate career options be? This demanding but rewarding career offers the chance to work in a legal profession without having to get a law degree, great pay, and the chance to make use of a variety of administrative, research, people and legal skills. The low-stress way to find your next alternative paralegal career job opportunity is on SimplyHired. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm 8. How Do I Become a Paralegal in Washington State. Paralegals’ tasks may vary from being more specialized (in larger firms) to more generalized (in smaller firms). In many cases, people do not need a lawyer or attorney to do these things, so they can bring their questions or paperwork to an independent paralegal who can help them. These high demand specialties tend to correspond to laws that have to do with whatever is important to people in a particular area at any given time. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages May 2015, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm, © Copyright 2021 Paralegal 411. Sometime later, however, you might find such information useful. I'll like any helpful information, advice and any other tips. An immigration paralegal will work directly with attorneys to assist immigrants navigating the complex process of citizenship. If you are a paralegal professional, our Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course is your next big career step. The average salary for an intellectual property paralegal is $77,000. While the extended years of schooling required to become a lawyer Read more… For example, a paralegal working in administrative law, sometimes also known as public law, may work on compiling case law and evidence in preparation for a judicial review or contacting and preparing expert witnesses for an administrative hearing.2 An administrative law paralegal working for a legislative agency may analyze legislation before it is introduced and may also prepare legislative and trial calendars.2 For a paralegal working in litigation, tasks related to alternative dispute resolution – such as preparing documents and scheduling meetings for arbitration and mediation – are typical and important.3 Criminal law paralegals may frequently spend part or all of their work day in court, making filings or taking notes for the attorneys they represent during a trial.3, By contrast, paralegals working in areas of law such as family law may find more of their work is transactional and takes place outside of the courtroom setting; in these areas of the law, paralegals may work on drafting and reviewing wills, trusts, partnerships, and other legal documents that plan for the future and aim to avoid litigation.3 In all cases, it is critical for paralegals to accurately track the time spent on each task, as law firms of all types tend to place high importance on billable hours in order to justify charges to clients and the courts.4, Experienced paralegals may gain supervisory responsibilities for other legal professionals, including law clerks and less experienced paralegals. Most paralegals will start their career in an administrative role, and with time progress to more complex tasks. Career and Education 20 Types of Evidence You May Encounter as a Paralegal . In addition to receiving a paralegal certification, the employment paralegal often furthers their background into the human resources field to gain an employer perspective and have a solid foundation of the various discrimination laws at both the state and federal level. See more ideas about paralegal, career options, career. Search 324 Paralegal jobs now available on Indeed.com, the world's largest job site. The list of paralegal career options is indeed long. Corporate paralegals have job security due to these structures. In order to be successful as a criminal law paralegal, however, these paralegals must have experience working exclusively with criminal law and be tolerable of the different crime details that they will be exposed to during the day. Read more about certification options for paralegals on our Paralegal Certification page. This article discusses popular jobs and career options for paralegals. Hughes, Richard L. Surviving and Thriving in the Law Office: What Every Paralegal Should Know. Corporate paralegals specialize in all aspects of corporate law, from monitoring for compliance with state and federal statutes to aiding corporations filing or defending against suits in court. A criminal law paralegal might work on either side of the bench; working for a court, such a paralegal might assist the judge or justice or be assigned to work for the prosecuting attorneys. In addition to obtaining this specialization, they need to obtain working experience for a law firm that specializes or offers representation for those experiencing bankruptcy. Process and only helps increase the value of the duties of a paralegal career options employed paralegal and... 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