Paralegal
Paralegals and legal assistants perform substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys. They conduct legal research, draft documents, organize and maintain files, and assist with trial preparation. The BLS reports a median salary of $59,200 with 4% projected growth. An associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies is the most common pathway, though bachelor's degrees are increasingly preferred by large firms. ABA-approved programs are highly valued.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with reviewing the attorney's calendar and preparing documents for upcoming court deadlines. Mid-morning involves researching case law on a specific legal issue and summarizing findings in a memo. After lunch, the paralegal organizes discovery documents, flags key evidence, and prepares exhibit binders. Late afternoon includes drafting a demand letter, filing documents electronically with the court, and scheduling depositions for the following week.
Key Stats
Education
Associate Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $38,000
Median: $59,200
Senior: $82,000
Job Growth