What Is a Paralegal?

Whether you're a big fan of law-themed television shows or you've been in a courtroom, you've heard of a paralegal; an essential support to legal professionals. A paralegal is a legal professional who works under attorney supervision, doing substantive legal work that would otherwise be done by licensed attorneys.

Paralegals may work in a variety of settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. They play a critical role in legal services by conducting research, drafting documents, and preparing materials for court.

Paralegals work in all areas of law, criminal law, family law, intellectual property law, assisting attorneys with everything from interviewing clients to preparing legal documents. They may also specialize in areas such as corporate law or intellectual property law, providing focused expertise and support in specific legal matters.

Paralegal Education and Training

To become a paralegal, a solid foundation in paralegal education² is essential. Most students begin with an associate degree, although some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in paralegal studies.

Accredited programs, often recognized by the American Bar Association, can cover legal research, legal writing and various areas of law. Some employers also hire and train candidates with no prior legal education or experience.

Paralegal studies programs cover essential legal tasks such as:

• Legal research
• Drafting legal documents
• Understanding legal terminology

In addition to formal education, aspiring paralegals should be familiar with paralegal qualifications which may include certification programs from specific organizations.

For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, a paralegal certificate program could be an alternative way to get into the profession. Continuing legal education is also important throughout a paralegal’s career to stay updated on changes in the legal field.

Paralegal Roles and Responsibilities

Paralegals do a wide range of legal work, assisting attorneys in law offices and legal departments. The responsibilities of paralegals and legal assistants often depend on the size of the law firm. In smaller firms, they might handle every stage of a case from start to finish, while in larger firms, they are assigned to specific tasks, such as preparing witnesses for depositions or trials.

Their roles can typically include¹:

• Do legal research
• Draft legal documents
• Manage court filings and case documentation

Paralegals may also do administrative and clerical tasks such as managing case files, scheduling appointments and interacting with clients.

The biggest part of a paralegal’s work is doing important legal work under the supervision of attorneys. This may include doing legal research to prepare for court or assisting attorneys or handling specific tasks related to legal cases in areas like family law or corporate law.

Paralegal Skills and Qualifications

Prospective paralegals need a combination of technical knowledge and organizational skills². Essential legal training includes a deep understanding of legal terminology and the ability to do tasks like:

• Drafting legal documents
• Doing legal research
• Assisting in legal proceedings

Paralegals and legal assistants need strong communication, organizational, and research skills to effectively support attorneys. They must be detail-oriented when gathering and managing case information, have interpersonal skills to work with clients and colleagues, and be able to adapt to changing deadlines while handling multiple cases.

Where Paralegals Work

Many paralegals choose to work³ in private law firms, government agencies or corporate legal departments for bigger companies. In these settings paralegals provide legal support across all stages of the legal process.

They may assist licensed attorneys with:

• Interviewing clients
• Legal research
• Preparing legal documents

In law offices, paralegals may do everything from interviewing clients to handling court filings and providing ongoing support during legal cases. Paralegals may specialize in specific areas of law, including intellectual property law or criminal law, to make sure legal teams have the necessary skills to handle diverse legal matters. All paralegal work is under attorney supervision. Paralegal professionals are unable to provide legal advice or represent clients.

Paralegal Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for paralegals is projected to grow⁴ 1% from 2023-2033. Despite the lower percentage, jobs are still anticipated to move at a steady pace with openings to replace workers who transfer to different jobs or retire.

Common Myths About Paralegals

As you explore the legal field, let’s recap and debunk some common misconceptions about what paralegals do. Understanding the truth behind these myths is important for anyone considering a career as a paralegal.

Myth 1: Paralegals can represent clients in court.

Reality:
Paralegals provide legal support by assisting attorneys, doing legal research, drafting legal documents and preparing cases for court. However, paralegals and legal assistants are not licensed to practice law or represent clients independently. All significant legal work performed by paralegals must be done under attorney supervision.

Myth 2: Paralegals only do administrative and clerical tasks.

Reality:
While paralegals do some administrative tasks, their main responsibilities are substantive legal work. This includes drafting legal documents, doing legal research, preparing evidence for court cases and assisting attorneys during trial preparation. In small law offices and large law firms, paralegals play a critical role on the legal team.

Myth 3: You must attend law school to become a paralegal.

Reality:
Becoming a paralegal does not require attending law school. Many aspiring paralegals complete a paralegal studies program, earning either an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or a certificate in paralegal education. These programs focus on legal research, legal writing and understanding the legal system, providing the skills to do legal work under attorney supervision.

Myth 4: All paralegals do the same type of work.

Reality:
Paralegal positions can vary depending on the legal field and work environment. Some paralegals specialize in criminal law, family law or intellectual property law while others focus on corporate law or assist government agencies. Their specific duties may also differ depending on whether they work in private law firms, corporate legal departments or governmental agencies.

Becoming a Paralegal

If you’re interested in entering the legal field, pursuing a career as a paralegal is a strong choice. Whether you're beginning your professional journey or shifting from another career path, paralegal education provides a solid foundation for working in the legal profession. These positions are available in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments and nonprofit organizations.

Paralegals assist attorneys by doing legal research, drafting legal documents and preparing cases for court. This career path is suitable for those who want to do substantive legal work with or without attending law school; whichever circumstance fits with your career goals and interests.

Paralegal education may provide a foundation for those seeking to support attorneys in legal settings. As you gain experience and paralegal qualifications you may also choose to specialize in areas like corporate law, criminal law or intellectual property and expand your opportunities in the legal profession.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, "What They Do," at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2 (visited Apr. 28, 2025).
²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, "How to Become One," at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-4 (visited Apr. 28, 2025).
³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, "Pay," at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-3 (visited Apr. 28, 2025).
⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, "Job Outlook," at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-6 (visited Apr. 28, 2025).