Paralegals and Legal Assistants Entry-Level Career Resources

Bachelor Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor Degree, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Bachelor's Degree, and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are designed for new bachelor's degree graduates ready to start their first professional position. For recent graduates who want realistic starting points that match their degree and experience level. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, to find entry level Bachelor degree jobs and careers: (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 110 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Water Resource Specialists / 50.00% / 36.37% / ($157,740)

Medical Dosimetrists / 75.00% / 30.00% / ($132,880)

Actuaries / 89.28% / 82.14% / ($120,000)

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists / 76.00% / 36.00% / ($112,280)

Chemical Engineers / 95.65% / 78.26% / ($112,100)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 55.56% / 32.13% / ($111,970)

Photonics Engineers / 52.38% / 34.79% / ($111,970)

Orthoptists / 85.71% / 53.57% / ($107,990)

Materials Scientists / 66.66% / 52.38% / ($106,160)

Materials Engineers / 52.38% / 38.09% / ($104,100)

Computer Systems Analysts / 41.93% / 31.42% / ($103,800)

Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers / 88.47% / 46.16% / ($103,690)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 50.00% / 41.17% / ($101,800)

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers / 43.48% / 52.18% / ($100,730)

Environmental Engineers / 66.66% / 61.91% / ($100,090)

Computer Programmers / 88.04% / 40.18% / ($99,700)

Automotive Engineers / 71.43% / 38.09% / ($99,510)

Fuel Cell Engineers / 57.14% / 45.47% / ($99,510)

Manufacturing Engineers / 76.00% / 34.61% / ($99,380)

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists / 50.00% / 45.00% / ($99,380)

Video Game Designers / 55.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / 37.54% / 42.76% / ($98,300)

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists / 39.13% / 73.92% / ($96,370)

Transportation Engineers / 86.36% / 40.91% / ($95,890)

Water/Wastewater Engineers / 69.57% / 50.00% / ($95,890)

Transportation Planners / 55.00% / 35.00% / ($95,890)

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers / 40.62% / 53.13% / ($92,580)

Intelligence Analysts / 73.92% / 30.43% / ($91,100)

Molecular and Cellular Biologists / 34.62% / 38.46% / ($91,100)

Geographers / 45.00% / 45.00% / ($90,880)

Hydrologists / 43.48% / 45.46% / ($88,770)

Agricultural Engineers / 75.00% / 35.00% / ($88,750)

Acute Care Nurses / 66.66% / 52.38% / ($86,070)

Registered Nurses / 55.92% / 37.83% / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / 50.00% / 60.71% / ($86,070)

Microbiologists / 72.73% / 54.55% / ($85,470)

Web Developers / 50.00% / 33.33% / ($84,960)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 44.97% / 30.56% / ($84,570)

Financial Examiners / 95.66% / 47.83% / ($84,300)

Operations Research Analysts / 42.85% / 40.00% / ($83,640)

Food Scientists and Technologists / 81.82% / 54.55% / ($82,090)

Chemical Plant and System Operators / 36.27% / 34.85% / ($80,030)

Online Merchants / 41.29% / 37.80% / ($79,590)

Credit Analysts / 95.00% / 30.00% / ($79,420)

Logistics Engineers / 73.91% / 39.14% / ($79,400)

Landscape Architects / 95.00% / 36.84% / ($79,320)

Insurance Underwriters / 73.33% / 40.00% / ($77,860)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 67.92% / 32.87% / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 31.50% / 56.99% / ($76,210)

Environmental Compliance Inspectors / 75.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Coroners / 50.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 39.34% / 49.63% / ($75,670)

Writers and Authors / 46.95% / 31.03% / ($73,690)

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / 52.12% / 30.60% / ($73,460)

Dietitians and Nutritionists / 63.33% / 30.00% / ($69,680)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 40.08% / 46.57% / ($69,260)

Conservation Scientists / 78.27% / 39.14% / ($68,750)

Park Naturalists / 49.75% / 56.05% / ($68,750)

Surveyors / 47.37% / 30.00% / ($68,540)

Adapted Physical Education Specialists / 71.43% / 76.18% / ($67,190)

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School / 57.35% / 62.00% / ($66,620)

Special Education Teachers, Middle School / 82.51% / 53.04% / ($66,600)

Film and Video Editors / 65.10% / 32.92% / ($66,600)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 33.89% / 36.34% / ($65,630)

Special Education Teachers, Preschool / 63.43% / 60.73% / ($65,270)

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education / 84.73% / 71.18% / ($65,220)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 44.42% / 31.47% / ($65,130)

Forensic Science Technicians / 32.36% / 32.02% / ($64,940)

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education / 88.24% / 62.40% / ($64,290)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School / 80.62% / 56.90% / ($63,860)

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education / 78.17% / 63.08% / ($63,680)

Music Therapists / 84.62% / 65.38% / ($63,650)

Real Estate Brokers / 45.33% / 36.44% / ($63,060)

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education / 86.20% / 75.61% / ($62,690)

Interior Designers / 84.00% / 40.00% / ($62,510)

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists / 88.03% / 43.28% / ($61,800)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 46.50% / 34.43% / ($60,970)

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors / 52.22% / 39.65% / ($60,560)

Fish and Game Wardens / 79.35% / 45.27% / ($60,380)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 35.12% / 42.16% / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / 47.32% / 32.44% / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / 46.90% / 72.73% / ($59,080)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 33.61% / 38.40% / ($58,530)

Recreational Therapists / 97.30% / 55.26% / ($57,120)

Interpreters and Translators / 54.72% / 35.52% / ($57,090)

Chemical Technicians / 43.74% / 47.59% / ($56,750)

Social Science Research Assistants / 54.32% / 46.58% / ($56,400)

Exercise Physiologists / 59.09% / 50.00% / ($54,860)

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians / 72.05% / 33.89% / ($54,000)

Child, Family, and School Social Workers / 68.66% / 36.21% / ($53,940)

Desktop Publishers / 38.70% / 45.93% / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 50.86% / 50.32% / ($51,140)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 68.18% / 68.18% / ($50,660)

Statistical Assistants / 61.28% / 36.94% / ($50,510)

Food Science Technicians / 32.33% / 67.10% / ($49,090)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 47.30% / 47.90% / ($48,790)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 30.75% / 74.53% / ($48,330)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 33.81% / 30.88% / ($47,710)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 38.26% / 36.81% / ($47,380)

Coaches and Scouts / 48.89% / 33.27% / ($45,910)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 35.18% / 40.27% / ($44,890)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 37.46% / 85.80% / ($44,490)

Rehabilitation Counselors / 55.86% / 55.52% / ($44,040)

Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary / 57.32% / 66.98% / ($43,750)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 34.78% / 43.48% / ($43,180)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 40.46% / 60.58% / ($41,410)

Tutors / 40.91% / 72.73% / ($39,580)

Residential Advisors / 31.29% / 65.91% / ($37,950)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 40.15% / 66.44% / ($37,380)

Recreation Workers / 61.96% / 40.14% / ($34,410)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Paralegals and Legal Assistants" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023): 345,600	U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.): 387,000
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.): 41,400 (12%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.): 43,000

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Paralegals and Legal Assistants":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: 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.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 61 (%)	Description: File pleadings with court clerks.
Importance: 59 (%)	Description: Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
Importance: 47 (%)	Description: Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.
Importance: 30 (%)	Description: Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.
Importance: 29 (%)	Description: Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
Importance: 28 (%)	Description: Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 88 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 88 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 80 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 61 (%)	Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Appraise property values.
Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.
Confer with court staff to clarify information.
Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
Evaluate condition of properties.
Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
Inventory materials or equipment.
Maintain the order of legal documents.
Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Prepare legal documents.
Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.
Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
Serve court ordered documents.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Consult legal materials or public records.

Activity: Direct legal activities.

Activity: Discuss legal matters with clients, disputants, or legal professionals or staff.

Activity: Evaluate condition of financial assets, property, or other resources.

Activity: Mediate disputes.

Activity: Monitor resources or inventories.

Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities.

Activity: Perform court-related or other legal administrative activities.

Activity: Prepare legal or regulatory documents.

Activity: Present information in legal proceedings.

Activity: Research laws, precedents, or other legal data.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

High-Priority Tech Skills

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Presentation software:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

Widely Used Tech Skills

Data base user interface and query software:

Orion Law Management Systems Orion

Information retrieval or search software:

Thomson Reuters Westlaw

Emerging Tech Skills

Accounting software:

Intuit QuickBooks

Data base user interface and query software:

Microsoft Access

Document management software:

Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint

Office suite software:

Google Workspace software

Project management software:

Microsoft Project

Video conferencing software:

Zoom

Word processing software:

Google Docs

General Software Tools

Accounting software:

Tax software

Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):

a la mode WinTOTAL

Case analysis software

Electronic discovery software

LexisNexis Applied Discovery

LexisNexis Concordance

LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles

Litigation support software

Uniscribe

Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals

Business intelligence and data analysis software:

MicroStrategy

Categorization or classification software:

Bowne JFS Litigator's Notebook

Cloud-based data access and sharing software:

Dropbox
Google Drive

Customer relationship management CRM software:

Software Technology PracticeMaster
Thomson West ProLaw

Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):

Bridgeway eCounsel

Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks

Database software

Fund Software ATIDS

LexisNexis CaseMap

LexisNexis CodeMaster

LexisNexis Time Matters

Practice management software PMS

Relational database software

Relativity e-Discovery

Saga Practice Manager

TrialWorks

Desktop publishing software (scroll table below):

Blumbeg Drafting Libraries

Dataflight Opticon

Digital contract software

Microsoft Publisher

ProForce Paralegal Pro-Pack

Sure Will Writer

Document management software (scroll table below):

AbacusNext HotDocs

Appligent Citation FDFMerge

CaseSoft DepPrep

CaseSoft TextMap

Document management system software

Electronic transcription management software

iManage document management software

Inmagic DB/TextWorks

IntelliPDF CURVES

Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software

LexisNexis File and Serve

LexisNexis Total Search

Microsoft SharePoint Server

NetDocuments

Nuance Power PDF

OmniRIM Records Management Suite

PDF Snake Easy Bates

Records management software

Summation Blaze

Electronic mail software:

IBM Notes

File versioning software:

Zylab ZyImage

Information retrieval or search software (scroll table below):

American LegalNet USCourtForms

dtSearch

Fastcase legal software

FindForms

FindLaw Code of Federal Regulations CFR

LawManager

LexisNexis

LexisNexis Company Analyzer

LexisNexis SmartLinx

Online database search and retrieval software

Online public records search software

Online title search and property report software

Ovid SilverPlatter WebSPIRS

THOMAS Global Register

Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS

Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge

Thomson West FindLaw

Internet browser software:

Web browser software

Library software:

Computer access catalog software

Office suite software:

Corel WordPerfect Office Suite

Optical character reader OCR or scanning software:

Optical character recognition OCR software

Pattern design software:

CaseSoft TimeMap

Transaction server software:

Tumbleweed SecureTransport

Video creation and editing software:

Thomson Reuters LiveNote Stream

Word processing software:

Legal document software
LexisNexis CheckCite
The Sackett Group MacPac for Legal

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 36.9 (%)	Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 20.1 (%)	Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 18.6 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 9.6 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 2.4 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 2.3 (%)	Level of Education: Some College Courses

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 26.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 22.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 22.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 13.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 3.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 2.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.3 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years

Local Salary Information

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Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Advanced Certified Paralegal
Certified Legal Video Specialist
Certified Paralegal
Certified Specialist in E-Discovery
CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP)
PACE Registered Paralegal
Professional Paralegal

Professional Associations

Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?

American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE)
International Legal Technology Association (ILTA)
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC)
National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Certified Paralegal

Contract Preparer

Contracts Specialist

Corporate Legal Assistant

Corporate Paralegal

Document Processor

Estate Planning Paralegal

Family Law Paralegal

Immigration Paralegal

Intellectual Property Paralegal

Law Associate

Legal Aide

Legal Analyst

Legal Assistant

Legal Clerk

Legal Processing Assistant

Litigation Legal Assistant

Litigation Paralegal

Paralegal

Paralegal Assistant

Paralegal Specialist

Personal Injury Paralegal

Principal Law Clerk

Real Estate Paralegal

Summer Associate

Trademark Paralegal

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Paralegals and Legal Assistants" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
2 - Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
3 - Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
4 - Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
5 - Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
6 - Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
7 - Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
8 - Correspondence Clerks
9 - Office Clerks, General
10 - Medical Records Specialists
11 - Lawyers
12 - Judicial Law Clerks
13 - Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
14 - Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
15 - Private Detectives and Investigators
16 - Compliance Officers
17 - Accountants and Auditors
18 - Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
19 - Social Science Research Assistants
20 - File Clerks

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Paralegals and Legal Assistants". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Paralegals and Legal Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Paralegals and Legal Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Paralegals and Legal Assistants" occupation.