The Job of the Future
Because Legal Assistant and Paralegal is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country, obtaining quality paralegal training is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts paralegal employment to grow 27 percent or more through 2014.
The Career
We can define a paralegal, legal assistant, lawyer's assistant, and investigator as an individual who is prepared to step into a position of substantial responsibility within the legal community. It is a challenging career for persons who are interested in doing paralegal research, drafting legal documents, working with clients, and assisting in trial preparation.
Job Opportunities
The demand for paralegals and legal assistants is on the rise in today's market. The largest employers of paralegals are private law firms, but other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate firms, and banks also employ paralegals. Both federal and state governments have many departments that employ paralegals and legal assistants. Many also work in neighborhood or community legal service offices or legal aid offices. Paralegals are often employed as
Because Legal Assistant and Paralegal is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country, obtaining quality paralegal training is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts paralegal employment to grow 27 percent or more through 2014.
The Career
We can define a paralegal, legal assistant, lawyer's assistant, and investigator as an individual who is prepared to step into a position of substantial responsibility within the legal community. It is a challenging career for persons who are interested in doing paralegal research, drafting legal documents, working with clients, and assisting in trial preparation.
Job Opportunities
The demand for paralegals and legal assistants is on the rise in today's market. The largest employers of paralegals are private law firms, but other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate firms, and banks also employ paralegals. Both federal and state governments have many departments that employ paralegals and legal assistants. Many also work in neighborhood or community legal service offices or legal aid offices. Paralegals are often employed as
• Benefits Representatives
• Immigration Law Specialists
• Bankruptcy Law Specialists
• Information & Referral Specialists
• Case Advocates and Specialists
• Legal Research Specialists
• Community Education Specialists
• Legislative Advocates
• Consumer Law Specialists
• Public Entitlement Specialists
• Domestic Relations Specialists
• Senior Citizens Specialists
• Employment Law Specialists
• Social Security Specialists
• Health Law Specialists
• Tribal Court Representatives
• Housing/Tenant Law Specialists
• Wills Procedures Specialists¹
In addition, paralegals work in a variety of other locations, such as:
• Banks and Savings and Loan
• Law Firms
• Construction Companies
• Law Schools
• Corporate Legal Departments
• Legal Aid Societies
• Court Reporting Agencies
• Municipal, Trial & Appellate Courts
• Federal and State Banking Agencies
• Private Investigators
• Insurance Companies
• Sheriff's Departments
• Internal Revenue Service
• Title Companies
¹Statsky, William P. Introduction to Paralegalism.
(Copyright 2003, West Publishing Co.: St. Paul, MN), pp 30-36.
Paralegals Average Annual Salaries
According to the National Association of Legal Assistants* paralegals had an average salary of $44,373 in 2004. In addition to a salary, many paralegals received a bonus, which averaged about $3,393.
In 2004, full-time, wage and salaried paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings of $39,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,040 and $49,950. The top 10 percent earned more than $61,390. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of paralegals in 2004 were as follows:
• Federal Government $59,370
• Legal Services $38,260
• Local Government $37,870
• State Government $34,910
** Ready to become a paralegal or legal assistant?
Request a free paralegal information packet today!
* 2004 National Utilization & Compensation Survey Report - NALA.
** U.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics, 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook
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Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Washington D.C., regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia, PA and licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BCI provides an excellent foundation for anyone interested in earning a paralegal diploma from home. With more than a century of expertise, Blackstone offers a committed, responsive faculty and a quality education, all at an affordable rate. |
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