Paralegal Personnel Description OES Code: 283050 Assist lawyers by researching law, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents. May gather research data for use as evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal action. These workers are career professionals, usually having either a four-year college degree or a degree from an institute specializing in the paralegal profession. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $10.74 minimum – $17.94 New, experienced: $13.42 $6.00 – $22.71 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 $8.00 – $25.23 In addition to regular compensation, many law firms pay bonuses usually based on tenure or merit considerations, or a combination of both. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Most Paralegals work a standard 40-hour week. Most paralegal workers receive paid vacation, sick leave, medical, dental and life insurance and retirement plans. Some employers provide vision insurance. Employment Trends Employment 1996 10,520 Projected Employment 2006 14,910 Growth Rate 1996-2006 41.7% Openings due to Separations 1,130 Employment Trends by California County Employment of Paralegals is projected to increase significantly between 1996 and 2006 as the need for legal services increases for a growing population. Paralegals comprise one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the State, with a rate of growth expected to be more than twice as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Most jobs will result from new job opportunities as the industry expands. Advancement In most large firms a Paralegal advances several levels until they reach senior level. Beyond that, in some of the larger companies there are supervisory, coordinating and trainer positions; however, there are very few of these promotional situations. Some Paralegals will continue their education and become lawyers; others will open their own paralegal firms. Getting the Job & Other Information Job seekers should look at the classified ads in local newspapers and law journals. They should register with the California Employment Development Department's, their school placement office and personnel offices of federal, state, city, and county governments. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Several methods of entry into the paralegal profession are available. Some employers train other legal personnel on their staff, such as legal secretaries, for paralegal positions. Increasingly, employers require a bachelor's degree and formal paralegal training. Some will hire those with a paralegal certificate. Community colleges and four-year institutions offer paralegal course work. Many of the classes are offered in the afternoon and evening. Some schools offer general paralegal training within different areas of law, including legal research techniques. Others provide programs leading to specialties, such as real estate, estate planning and probate, litigation, family law and income taxes. Classes also include introduction to law, tools and techniques of legal research, law office administration and corporate law. Currently, Paralegals are not required by law to be certified. The National Association of Legal Assistants, however, has established standards for voluntary certifications. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a two-day examination given by the Certifying Board of Legal Assistants. This examination is administered each year at several regional testing centers. Persons who pass this examination may use the designation, Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). This designation is a sign of competence in the field and may enhance employment and advancement opportunities. Skills & Other Requirements To be successful as a Paralegal, good research ability and logical thinking are necessary, as well as excellent writing and speaking skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support is increasingly important. While in high school, valuable experience is available by serving in student government, working for the school newspaper and being on the debate team. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Paralegal Personnel #464 Related Occupation: Legal Secrertaries #172, Attorneys #322 Training: California State Training Inventory