What makes you a paralegal

While attorneys look at the big picture, it is the paralegal who ties all the little details together. In fact, some cases are won or lost because one party does not supply the required legal documents needed for the case. A good paralegal must be able to review complex documents and accurately pull important information to summarize for the attorney.

A paralegal may be called upon to schedule an appointment, interview a client and conduct legal research all within the course of an hour. It is important that a paralegal be able to prioritize and manage the demands of multiple projects at the same time, as well as handle the accompanying stress. While you do not need to be a computer analyst by any means, it would be helpful to have basic computer skills.

Paralegals spend a lot of time preparing documents, and the faster you can pull together the information, the better. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and how to conduct an internet search are also helpful skills to have.

While this list summarizes some of the qualities needed to be a good paralegal, intangibles like drive, determination, and love of the law ultimately will help bring you success.

A good paralegal takes pride in the work accomplished and how it helps their attorney succeed. Someone with this combination of proficiency and passion should look forward to a rewarding career. Since , Center for Advanced Legal Studies has prepared thousands of students for the paralegal profession. We offer both a Paralegal Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science Paralegal Degree that can be completed through our on-campus or online paralegal options.

In addition, we are dedicated to supporting our students with full career placement services and externship opportunities. Topics: online classes , paralegal certificate , paralegal degree , career , paralegal skills , education and training. Take the Free Quiz! Paralegals are generally detail oriented, organized and efficient.

Because duties can vary greatly based on the size of the firm or the supervising attorneys, they must also be adaptable. One of the most common concerns for anyone looking into starting in this field is the amount of education needed—as well as how long it takes to become a paralegal. The path to becoming a paralegal can look very different from one person to the next.

This program is designed to supplement education from a different field. Ethical communication, interdisciplinary awareness and emerging technology are important objectives of this program. But the bulk of your studies will focus on skill and knowledge areas specific to the legal world and the paralegal duties within it.

Courses like Torts, Contracts and Family Law zoom in on complex subjects in the legal realm, while other courses such as Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts, Legal Writing and Legal Research help you build the critical skill sets paralegals need. Gordon explains that paralegals carry a lot of weight on their shoulders and every detail matters.

Yet, Queenan points out, people with the right personality can flourish in this position. Paralegals can take jobs with varied daily tasks and experiences if that is what they are looking for.

You might picture working in an office full of driven individuals who want to help their clients fix injustices. Nothing is worth losing your self-respect over.

Treat the position with the highest reverence. But is that pay enough to support you and your responsibilities? In this legal career, certain personalities and particular skill sets are better poised for success than others. If you are considering work as a paralegal, make sure you fit the bill by the time you apply. Olson says paralegals are expected to catch errors made by others and remind everyone of important dates.

All that detail checking includes spelling and grammar. Olson says paralegals correct citation mistakes, grammar errors and other inaccuracies. Fine-tuning your writing and editing abilities is vital for success as a paralegal—that, as well as technical proficiency. While detail-oriented professionals with strong writing and computer skills are important in this profession, there are ways to stand out even more. Queenan recommends seeking training in client interactions, etiquette and communication skills since presenting a professional image to clients is incredibly important.

Pay close attention to verbal slip-ups—no one wants to hear their legal help sounding careless. You want to make sure you are representing yourself, your clients and, ultimately, your practice as best as you can.

This includes being able to communicate in a professional manner. Additionally, Queenan suggests learning more about research materials on the internet. The information was free! Olson suggests asking for examples of finished case files when you take work as a paralegal to see samples of what completed and professional work looks like for that firm.

Personal injury cases often lead to trial. Therefore, the ability to prepare documents for the court is beneficial. If the case does not go to trial, the paralegal may assist in a settlement negotiation, which also involves research and analysis. There are many other law-related careers that you may be interested in if being a paralegal interests you. Following are a few other job paths that may be available for legal studies and paralegal studies majors.

Keep in mind that more education will be required to become a lawyer. Paralegals are a vital part of any legal team, and they take on interesting, important assignments that often vary on a daily basis. If you enjoy investigating facts, performing research, writing, and working with people in a fast-paced atmosphere, chances are you may enjoy this career path. Paralegals perform tasks such as conducting legal and factual research, drafting court documents and correspondence, reviewing and summarizing records, filing documents with the court, maintaining files, and communicating with clients.

They can do many of the same tasks that an attorney can do, with the exception of accepting cases and setting fees, giving legal advice, and representing clients in court. In most states, there are no specific education requirements to become a paralegal. When deciding on a school, consider choosing one with an ABA-accredited paralegal program. For more information about paralegal degrees, read our Paralegal Degree Center. The BLS predicts that the industries with the strongest job growth for paralegals over the next few years will be finance firms, insurance firms, consulting firms, and healthcare providers.

So, how much do paralegals make? It is possible for an experienced paralegal working in a highly specialized or technical field to make a six-figure salary. Most paralegal positions also include numerous other benefits such as medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and company-matched k or IRA accounts.

Many employers also provide tuition reimbursement or pay for classes and seminars. A paralegal career offers the opportunity to perform engrossing, meaningful work in a professional atmosphere. Paralegal salaries can vary significantly by geographic area; those in large cities tend to make more, while those in states where paralegals are in high demand will also typically see higher salaries.

The ten highest-earning states for paralegals are:. Paralegals typically work a full time, 40 hour a week schedule. However, overtime may be necessary. Making a good impression as an intern may lead to an offer of employment. Joining a local paralegal association can also lead to opportunities. References: 1. Our ranking explores the top U. Interested in pursuing a juris doctor? Explore our list of JD degrees to find excellent ABA-approved and accredited programs at top law schools.

Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests? Search schools to find the program that's right for you. Featured Online Programs Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below. Attend a paralegal degree or certificate program Paralegals generally must have some formal education to find employment.

Collapse All Expand All. Why should I choose a bachelor's program instead of an associate's program? Are online programs a good alternative to a traditional program? What type of schedule does a paralegal generally work?