Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by handling documents, research, and client communication. You'll need a bachelor's degree and medium-level preparation. The work is detail-oriented, in demand, and offers a clear path into the legal field.
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Paralegals and legal assistants handle the paperwork and research that keeps law offices running. You'll document and record information, prepare legal documents, and manage case files. You'll communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and your supervising attorney. Much of your day involves working with computers to organize evidence, draft correspondence, and update case records. You'll also gather information from legal databases and stay current with changes in law and procedure. This is detail-focused work that requires accuracy and strong organizational skills.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants earn a median of $62,890 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 39,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a bachelor's degree. Some programs offer paralegal-specific coursework, while others combine a general degree with paralegal training. You'll develop skills in legal writing, research, and document management during your education. Job Zone 3 preparation means you'll need some time to build competency, but you don't need years of prior experience. Once hired, you'll learn on the job under attorney supervision. Many paralegals also pursue additional credentials to advance their careers and specialization.
Your path typically starts with a bachelor's degree, and timing matters depending on whether you pursue a specialized program or a general degree with paralegal training. Use Pathly can map the paralegal and legal assistant path that fits you to map out your education options and timeline, and keep your counselor involved as you decide what fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a paralegal and legal assistant, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with systems and procedures. You like working with information, following rules, and supporting others. You communicate clearly in writing and conversation.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).