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.

$61,010
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
0% projected 2024โ€“2034
Associate's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Paralegals and legal assistants work behind the scenes to keep law offices running smoothly and efficiently. They spend their days researching case law, drafting legal documents like contracts and pleadings, and organizing case files with meticulous attention to detail. Much of their time involves gathering facts for cases, which might include interviewing clients, contacting witnesses, or reviewing medical records and police reports. They often use specialized legal databases to find relevant precedents that support their attorney's arguments in court.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(masters)The Colleges of Law at Ventura, CA
$84,141
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(bachelors)Bentley University, MA
$72,883
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(certificate)University of Georgia, GA
$68,359
Legal Support Services(masters)George Washington University, DC
$66,963
Legal Support Services(grad-cert)George Washington University, DC
$61,174
Legal Support Services(postbacc-cert)San Francisco State University, CA
$57,920
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(bachelors)University of Maryland Global Campus, MD
$54,304
Legal Support Services(postbacc-cert)University of San Diego, CA
$53,157
Legal Support Services(masters)Purdue University Global, IN
$52,174
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(masters)American Public University System, WV
$52,022
Legal Support Services(bachelors)Roger Williams University, RI
$51,445
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(bachelors)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$51,231
Legal Support Services(certificate)Tacoma Community College, WA
$50,681
Legal Support Services(associates)Inver Hills Community College, MN
$49,694
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(bachelors)University of Miami, FL
$49,624
Legal Support Services(associates)Des Moines Area Community College, IA
$49,137
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(bachelors)University of La Verne, CA
$49,004
Legal Support Services(associates)North Hennepin Community College, MN
$48,960
Legal Support Services(certificate)Loyola University Chicago, IL
$48,819
Legal Support Services(certificate)North Hennepin Community College, MN
$48,599
Legal Support Services(bachelors)SUNY College of Technology at Canton, NY
$48,269
Legal Support Services(grad-cert)University of San Diego, CA
$47,828
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(masters)Trinity International University-Illinois, IL
$47,750
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)(masters)Trinity Law School, CA
$47,750
Legal Support Services(associates)MTI College, CA
$47,535

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