What does a Paralegal do?
Paralegals perform various duties and tasks that directly support lawyers or legal teams, including creating, maintaining, and organizing their files, conducting relevant research, and drafting documents. Paralegals help lawyers and legal teams to prepare for their presentations. They are called upon to do investigation and fact-finding, and to research the relevant laws, regulations, and articles that pertain to their cases.
Paralegals gather evidence and arrange legal documents for review and case preparation. They write and summarize reports, and draft correspondence and legal documents including contracts. They also gather affidavits and formal statements that might be used as evidence in court. Paralegals handle exhibits, take notes, and are responsible for the review of trial transcripts, interviews, and depositions. They also arrange meetings with relevant parties including clients and witnesses, lawyers, outside vendors. Paralegals keep track of and file legal documents including exhibits, briefs, and appeals with the court or with opposing counsel. Paralegals need a high school diploma or equivalent and training and certification as a paralegal.
Paralegal Salaries
Average Base Pay
Paralegal Career Path
Learn how to become a Paralegal, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Paralegal Insights
The Mortgage Law Firm“workers and all the Attorney's i have worked with was good at helping and great to work with”
Daspit Law Firm“DLF gave me the opportunity to learn and grow into the knowledgeable and experienced paralegal I am today.”
Kforce“During my time there I was working with very exceptional people and it was great.”
Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel“The people working at HM&B are all great people and I am blessed to call most my friends.”
Cantor Law Group“The drama is minimal and it is just a fun group of people work with.”
Hugh James“The department I was in was full of great people and was welcoming from day one.”
Paralaw (UK)“Great opportunity to start your legal career and gain legal work experience as a paralegal drafting and negotiating contracts.”
Brooklyn Legal Services Corp“Gives good insight into legal work and you’re able to work with some great people.”
Paralegal Jobs
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a paralegal
When working as a paralegal, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Paralegal Certificate, Microsoft Office Suite, Filing, Outlook, and Excellent Communication.
- Legal Analyst
- Law Clerk
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
The most common qualifications to become a paralegal include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.