Sometimes known as legal assistants, paralegals assist attorneys in most areas of their practices. Although paralegals are not permitted to give binding legal advice, they often perform complex legal work, including research and document preparation.

Clerical

Paralegals are responsible for performing clerical tasks such as filing, typing, answering phones, making copies and processing mail.

Research

Paralegals often conduct legal research using law libraries and electronic databases.

Writing

Paralegals may be responsible responsible for drafting court documents, correspondence, legal briefs and research summaries.

Trial Preparation

Often, paralegals assist attorneys with trial preparation, which includes preparing exhibits, monitoring filing deadlines and proofreading documents.

Client Contact

Paralegals may be responsible for contacting clients to update them on the status of their cases, and to answer simple questions about the legal process.

Supervisory Duties

Some paralegals may be responsible for monitoring the work of lower-level administrative staff such as receptionists or file clerks.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $85,160 ($40.94/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $52,920 ($25.44/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $32,900 ($15.82/hour)