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Featured Career: Paralegal or Legal Assistants

Paralegals – also called legal assistants – are the right hand support to lawyers in law firms, corporations, and government offices. One of the most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings by investigating facts and organizing legal documents. They might also prepare client contracts, review government regulations, or oversee team project.

Median Salary
$43,040

Education Requirements
Postsecondary paralegal programs are offered through community and junior colleges resulting in an associate degree. If one already has a college degree, you can earn a paralegal studies diploma. Courses cover professional and legal writing, law office management, legal research, legal ethics, marketing, American government and more. The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.

Job Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking paralegals among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification.