Paralegal Job Description
There is one profession that has been and will continue to expand over the next 7 years, paralegals. In 2008, the U.S. had 263,800 paralegals, also known as legal assistants. By 2018, 337,900 will be needed, an increase of 74,100. The paralegal job description includes assisting lawyers in preparation of mortgages, contracts, separation agreements, and tax returns. They also assist in estate planning, which includes wills and trust funds. Computer skills are essential. The paralegal job description is remarkably similar to that of lawyer, with the exception of giving legal advice and appearing in court.
Paralegals are employed in various divisions of the legal profession, law firms, the legal departments of government agencies, banks, and corporations. Law firms employ the largest percentage. Quite often, they work in fields such as labor law, family law, criminal law, intellectual property, personal injury, and civil rights. In real estate transactions, they search real estate records for property liens or other title defects. Law firms increasingly hire paralegals as a method of reducing costs. Paralegal jobs are also available at real estate agencies and title insurance companies. This is clearly not a complete list of categories in the paralegal job description.
Paralegal Job Description Includes Several Sub-categories
Nurse paralegals are employed because of the proliferation of bodily injury and medical malpractice lawsuits. These lawsuits require a paralegal with intimate knowledge of medical issues.
The large increase in personal and business bankruptcies requires bankruptcy paralegals who are knowledgeable about bankruptcy forms and procedures. High unemployment, the current economic conditions, and lack of adequate health insurance have precipitated a flood of personal bankruptcies. Due to the fact that 90 percent of businesses fail in the first five years, business bankruptcies are exceedingly common. This guarantees the need for many paralegals in the field.
A patent paralegal is in a very specialized field and commands a salary commensurate with the required skills. They research patents and draft patent applications. They also do research pertaining to patent litigation. A background in engineering and science is highly advantageous.
An immigration paralegal can have emotionally satisfying experiences. Helping deserving individuals obtain a green card status can add to the job satisfaction. Assembling necessary documentation in immigration cases can be very time consuming, and helping the client deal with frustration resulting from the long process is part of the job. Although being multilingual is helpful, interpreters are available.
A real estate paralegal handles all the legal aspects of buying and selling property. The job requires knowledge of residential, rental and commercial property. They coordinate all the components needed to meet the closing deadline. The opportunities in this field are more available during periods of strong economic activity.
Paralegal Job Prospects are Bright
The median salary commanded by paralegals ranges from $44,480 to $58,540. Depending on training and experience, some can earn $75,000 or more.
The expected expansion in paralegal positions is partly driven by the current economic environment and the need to reduce costs. Paralegals can do many of the tasks now performed by higher-salaried lawyers, increasing efficiency and productivity.
The best prospects for the position are people with a four year college degree in another field or legal secretaries.
Training for the paralegal position is available at more than 1000 learning institutions. Does the paralegal job description appeal to you? In this time of high unemployment, people with a college degree or legal experience would be well advised to check the opportunity to receive paralegal training for employment in this rewarding field.
