Wilson College Online Blog

Paralegals are an essential part of any legal team. They excel at researching legal cases and working with attorneys to help their team win cases. They are integral to a law firm, saving attorneys valuable time preparing for legal battles.

Individuals and businesses alike rely on legal services to help them navigate the justice system, making this an excellent career for those who want to help others as they deal with complex laws and regulations.

To ensure the best-case outcomes, employers often look to hire professionals with impeccable research skills and an understanding of how the legal system works. For individuals who are interested in becoming a paralegal, either for their career or as a steppingstone to another legal career, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can provide a valuable foundation for success.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals are legal assistants who perform legal research and other duties in support of lawyers and supervising attorneys. Their tasks include gathering materials, preparing cases for trial, and helping to maintain contact with clients. They research the history of legal cases to help attorneys anticipate what to expect during trials, such as previous cases that might determine a legal precedent.

Some paralegals assist with legal secretarial work as well, including meeting with clients, interviewing witnesses, managing case paperwork, and coordinating case deadlines. A paralegal’s specific duties can vary depending on the law firm they work for and possibly even the individual cases they assist with. However, all paralegals’ responsibilities are limited to supporting their law team; they’re not qualified to offer legal advice or perform legal services without the supervision of an attorney.

Work Settings for Paralegals

Paralegals primarily work on legal teams in private law firms. Their usual work environment is in legal offices, although they may also travel with attorneys to courthouses for trials and depositions.

While it’s less common, paralegals also work in local, state, and federal government agencies and in certain companies in the finance and insurance industries.

Paralegal Education, Experience, and Skill Requirements

Because paralegals research and facilitate legal cases, employers desire candidates with a foundational educational background, experience in legal settings, and an assortment of critical skills.

Education

Individuals interested in becoming a paralegal have several education options to choose from. Aspiring paralegals may opt to complete an associate degree program, although this may limit their employment options, as some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Many prospective paralegals earn a bachelor’s degree in a field such as criminal justice, which gives them a strong background in law, psychology, and sociology.

In some cases, those pursuing a bachelor’s degree may be able to transfer credits from an associate degree program to help reduce their path to graduation. In addition to preparing students with legal fundamentals, a bachelor’s program in criminal justice can lay the foundation for individuals to pursue an advanced degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree might also help someone looking to advance their career beyond a paralegal position.

Experience

The experience requirements for paralegals vary among employers, with some hiring candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree but have no experience and others wanting some experience. Prospective paralegals can develop their skills as interns in a legal setting, such as at a private law firm, a company’s legal department, at a community legal services program, or within a government agency.

While not a requirement for the role, some employers may prefer candidates with a certification. For example, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers two certification options for paralegals with different levels of experience. Obtaining one of these certifications can help potential candidates stand out to employers in their knowledge of the paralegal role.

Key Skills

Paralegals need various skills to succeed in their role. Their ability to analyze past cases can help them assist their team in developing legal strategies, communicate with their team members and clients, interview clients and witnesses, and organize materials to be used by attorneys during trials. Other critical skills for paralegals include:

• Research skills
• Attention to detail
• Legal knowledge
• Ethics
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills

Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual paralegal salary is $60,970. The job prospects for this position are positive, with the BLS projecting 4% growth between 2022 and 2032. This is faster than the average 3% job growth projected for all occupations.

The BLS expects law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals. However, the BLS also reports that many large corporations are expanding their in-house legal teams. To support these teams, these organizations may increase their hiring of paralegals in the coming years.

Build an Equitable Future as a Paralegal

Understanding a paralegal’s duties and requirements, including the typical paralegal salary, can help individuals determine if this profession meets their goals.

For those interested in an advanced career in law, becoming a paralegal can be an initial step toward earning an advanced degree and pursuing any number of other positions in law, such as policy analyst positions. Professionals in these roles need to have broad knowledge of the law and legal processes as well as essential related skills to appeal to law firm employers.

For those with a passion for research who want to help others achieve justice, Wilson College Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program can help provide the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their career.

Recommended Readings:

Juvenile Justice: Rehabilitation vs. Disciplinary Action

What Careers Can You Get With a Criminal Justice Degree?

What Does a Legal Assistant Do?

Sources:

Indeed, “Everything You Need to Know About Working as a Paralegal”

Indeed, “Paralegal Job Description Examples”

Indeed, “What Is a Paralegal? (Plus Duties, Salary and Skills)”

National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Paralegal Certification

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants