What Does a Paralegal Do?
Do you love arguing? Are you fascinated with the complexities of the criminal justice system? Or do you just love watching Law and Order re-runs? If being a lawyer was once a dream of yours before you had those kiddos and that mortgage, you still might be a great fit for the fascinating field of law! Paralegals, also sometimes known as Legal Assistants, are important para-professionals who work in the legal industry under the guidance of attorneys. As a paralegal, your day-to-day tasks may include administrative and clerical duties such as filing briefs, motions, and other important paperwork. You could also help conduct legal research and assist in drafting documents like case reports, memos, pleadings, and correspondence. Paralegals may also be tasked to interview witnesses, prepare exhibits or put together a trial notebook. A paralegal’s work is crucial to the success of the lawyer or legal firm they work for. The scope of work and specific tasks of a paralegal depend on a variety of factors. If you’re working in a corporate environment, you may be tasked to draft employee and supplier contracts, review shareholder reports or monitor government regulations. If you’re working in a private law firm, you may be assigned to conduct research on behalf of lawyers. Or perhaps you want a non-profit or government sector job which could help people overcome adversity? The type of law you’re involved in also matters; whether it is civil or criminal law, for example. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary of paralegals in 2015 is $48,810 annually. Job outlook is projected to grow 8% in the next years until 2024. Some benefits of choosing a paralegal career include:
- Demand - paralegals are always going to be needed by lawyers),
- Flexibility - you can choose to freelance and work for yourself rather than taking a job with an employer.
- Opportunity – you can have a career that is challenging and fulfilling.
If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, you must obtain a certification in paralegal studies. Meditec offers an online paralegal program that can help you gain the legal knowledge and practical skill sets that are needed to become an efficient, ethical and successful paralegal. The program teaches students about U.S. law and law specialties, including pleadings, formats, and citations. Other areas covered include a formal introduction to law and the history of American law, the court system, and substantive law. Legal terminology and skills involving civil litigation and legal analysis and writing are also covered. To find out more about our online paralegal training program, visit www.meditec.com.
