Median pay
$61,010
Median annual pay for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Legal
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
10-year growth
0.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
39,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
376,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Writing
- 2Active Listening
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Speaking
- 5Critical Thinking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Law and Government
- 2English Language
- 3Administrative
- 4Computers and Electronics
- 5Customer and Personal Service
- 6Administration and Management
Abilities
- 1Written Comprehension
- 2Oral Comprehension
- 3Oral Expression
- 4Written Expression
- 5Near Vision
- 6Speech Clarity
Career interests
- 1Conventional
- 2Investigative
- 3Enterprising
- 4Social
- 5Artistic
- 6Realistic
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Integrity
- 4Cautiousness
- 5Intellectual Curiosity
- 6Cooperation
Work activities
- 1Documenting/Recording Information
- 2Working with Computers
- 3Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 5Getting Information
- 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 4Spend Time Sitting
- 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 6Telephone Conversations
Representative tasks
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- File pleadings with court clerks.
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandThomson Reuters Westlaw · in demandOrion Law Management Systems Orion · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyGoogle Workspace software · hot technologyZoom · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyGoogle Docs · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.