The legal field is growing rapidly. As attorneys get busier, their support staff need to build skills to provide even more support. A skilled paralegal has many opportunities to increase their value to a law firm, thus making a better income and job security.
Duties of a Qualified Paralegal
Lawyers give legal advice.What does a paralegal do? A paralegal supports attorneys in providing that advice. This support may include
- Research
- Contract review
- Casefileorganization
- Trial note prep
Your career can grow as you increase your experience and training. Look for online schooling that you can do in the evenings, early in your career. With the proper schooling, you can work and earn as you learn and avoid crushing student debt.
How to Become a Paralegal?
Getting at least a certificate in paralegal support is a critical first step. Once you have your certification, you have a better chance of getting hired by a law firm. For more information on paralegal education, visit ParalegalEDU.org.
As your skills grow, look for ways to improve your education so you can advance your skills and offer even better support for your firm. As you learn, you can get your Associate's, Bachelors, or Masters in paralegal support.
As you do more, you'll have a better understanding of the fields you can work in. Paralegals can find work in any setting that calls for an attorney. Your career opportunities can include a great deal of variety or a specific focus on just one industry. Hone your skills in that direction to increase job security and your future growth options.
Paralegal Salary
The median salary for a paralegal in the United States is approximately $77,000. Your training, skills, specializations, and location will allow you to increase that salary.
As your skills increase, make sure you boost your marketability by improving your communication skills. Learning a second language may help, especially if you have a bilingual attorney working in your firm.
Paralegal Skills & Qualifications
You will need strong computer skills to be a successful paralegal. You will need strong note-taking, listening, and writing skills. Excel skills, particularly if you're reviewing financials, will increase your value to your firm.
It's also a good idea to focus on your reading comprehension skills if you tend to skim and possibly miss things. Additionally, you may want to study psychology as you may need to interview clients or take notes.
Finally, learn to manage your stress level and time. People seldom visit an attorney's office because everything is going well. You will be working with very busy attorneys. You may be dealing with clients facing terrible circumstances and an uncertain future.
A skilled paralegal can earn a good living and enjoy an exciting and varied career. Your training and experience will increase your value to local attorneys. There are options for paralegals who need to work remotely as long as the attorney supervising you approves this program. You may not be able to freelance as apara, but you may find an attorney who will let you remote in at least a few days a week.
