Career Overview
While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. One of a paralegals most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.
Education and Training
There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies.
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Earnings
In May 2006, full-time wage-and-salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $43,040. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,920 and $54,690. The top 10 percent earned more than $67,540, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $27,450.
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