Although lawyers get to do most of the heavy lifting in the legal world, paralegals are the wheels that keep the justice system rolling. Paralegals help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and other court-related activities. They are trained in thorough research practices and are able to organize and draft legal documents for important legal proceedings. The paralegal field is one of the hottest occupations today, due to excellent pay and benefits, opportunities for advancement, and high expectations for future growth in the field.
Reason #1: Red-Hot Job Growth
The paralegal field has grown in scope and significance over the last few years, as law firms cut costs by hiring them to do the legal research that six-figure-salary attorneys used to do. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for paralegals will grow at a high rate over the next decade. In particular, they forecast that corporate legal services will increase their employment of qualified paralegals. Paralegals who work for corporations are often involved in the drafting of employee contracts, shareholder agreements, and employee-benefit plans.
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Reason #2: High Pay
The majority of paralegals--seven out of 10--are employed by law firms. Most others work for corporate legal teams or government agencies. In 2004, paralegals employed in legal services earned a median salary of nearly $38,000--which beats the national average for all jobs. In addition, many paralegals earn large annual bonuses that are based on work performance.
Reason #3: Flexible, Accelerated Career Training Options
The most common way to become a paralegal is through an
associate's degree in paralegal studies. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can also receive certification through a paralegal licensing program. Some companies hire uncertified college graduates and train their own paralegals on the job.
For students hoping to make a career out of paralegal work, some campus-based and online education programs offer
bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies that combine a legal curriculum with courses in specialized academic subjects. Although prospects are bright for all paralegals, job applicants with
college degrees will likely get the most desirable positions.
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