Graduate of a Paralegal Studies program aspiring to work as paralegals are instrumental in the daily operation of the many entities and offices that practice law, including law offices, corporations and governmental offices. Organizational skills remain one of the highest attributes a paralegal can maintain. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects. The US Bureau of Labor project employment of paralegals and legal assistants to grow by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

A paralegal is trained in legal matters and assists lawyers with researching facts for cases, preparing documents, maintaining files, and preparing for trial. In most cases, paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and are commonly employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, though opportunities for paralegals exist in other industries.

• Maintaining files and documents for various cases
• Organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems
• Researching, investigating, and gathering the facts or laws related to a case
• Taking notes for attorneys
• Working with teams of other paralegals, attorneys, and staff on cases
• Writing or summarizing reports to help lawyers prepare for trials
• Writing reports and compiling legal documents such as memos, briefs, depositions, or procedural motions
• Helping lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts

• Calling clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions
• Conducting research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles
• Drafting correspondence and legal documents, such as contracts and mortgages
• Filing exhibits, briefs, appeals and other legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
• Gathering and arranging evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation
• Getting affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court
• Interviewing witnesses to gather and investigate evidence

Paralegals and legal assistants held about 337,800 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of paralegals and legal assistants were as follows:*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (visited September 28, 2020).