What is a paralegal? how much do they make?

VicSEO

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

[BUMP] Coming July '09

Check out the link below...

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

It gives you an overview of the position, including nature of work, employment and earnings.

Paralegal isn't an easy job. You need experience, you can't simply start as a paralegal. There are no entry level positions. To become a paralegal you should get a paralegal degree from an American Bar Association accredited institute (a list of places in your area can be found at http://www.abanet.org) and start working asap in a law office as a legal secretary or clerk, just to start gaining law office experience.

The pay isn't all that great until you have 5+ years of experience as a paralegal. Think long and hard about this profession before deciding. It is a difficult job. Paralegals doing a lot of researching case law and reading thousands of cases, seriously, thousands! Then they have to write a brief to their attorneys telling them all the applicable case law and what is precedent. It really is a demanding job. I love it, but I knew what I was getting myself into...

Noah G

Simple. Paralegals are like assistant attorneys. They work directly under the lawyer, doing whatever their supposed to do with helping with cases and whatnot. They make an average salary of about $44,000.

redgator40

depends on the type of law and city for salary. I have a BS in Legal Studies. I work for a small law firm and prefer that as i like being a big fish in a small pond. you essentially do the work. think of it like a nurse/doctor relationship. i research law, start up new files, prepare pleadings, coordinate hearings, make sure everything is ready for the attorney when they need it. it can be very stressful at times. email me if you would like more detail.

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