Localize Your School Search
Career Rating and Comparison
| Category | This Career | All Rated Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction |    | |
Degrees and Schools
Many paralegals get a two-year associate's degree from a community college or vocational school. For those who already have a four-year degree, they can attend a certificate program. Some employers have paralegal training programs.
Most two-year programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, or legal experience. Certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, and can vary widely in length of time required and degree of intensity. Graduates of programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) are often preferred by potential employers.
Classes
Because legal research is largely computerized, educational emphasis is placed on use of software, databases and research techniques. Legal terminology, documentation skills and current law are other courses. Internships provide hands-on experience working in private law firms, government offices or corporate legal departments.
Online Classes and Programs
Becoming a paralegal or legal assistant is one of the most popular uses of online education. Programs abound, so choosing a program that has been accredited by the American Bar Association and regional accrediting bodies can ensure a quality educational experience. Although they may offer convenience, online programs may or may not provide the career services, financial aid and internship opportunities that brick-and-mortar schools typically offer. It is important to note that many law schools do not accept online credits.
Employment Requirements
There are no specific requirements at the state level regarding the qualification of paralegals; however, they cannot charge fees, provide legal counsel, present in court or perform other functions considered practicing law. Optional certification through various accrediting bodies such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) can provide an advantage when seeking employment. Some states require that paralegals complete a required number of continuing education credits annually to remain up-to-date on legal precedents and trends.
How to Evaluate Schools
Prospective paralegal students should consider the following factors when evaluating programs:
- School and class size - Some students find smaller classes to better suit their learning style, with more opportunities for direct communication with faculty and fellow classmates. Larger schools may offer more program options, facilities, activities and services, and may be less costly with more choices for financial aid.
- School services - It is desirable for a school to offer a strong set of services, such as orientation, tutoring, academic counseling, financial aid, career information and counseling.
- Job placements - The school should offer job placement assistance and have at least some information on placement rates of graduates and also ideally their job satisfaction.
- Curriculum content - Courses should provide a strong blend of the teaching of practical job skills along with underlying legal theory. Studies should include legal research and writing, litigation, ethics, contracts, business organizations and torts. Areas of program emphasis should include the advancement of students' critical thinking, communication, computational, computer skills, organizational skills, and ability to handle ethical issues. Students should be offered an on-the-job oriented learning component such as an internship, practicum or clinical experience.
- Tuition and financial assistance - The cost to attend different programs can vary widely, as can the kinds of financial assistance available. Be sure to research available scholarships.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Job Description
Paralegals, also called legal assistants, support lawyers by performing tasks related to legal work. Although they may handle many of the same tasks as the lawyers for which they work, it is their employer who is ultimately responsible for the outcomes of legal work. Typical duties include:
- Researching facts related to cases.
- Helping lawyers prepare for meetings, hearings, trials and closing speeches.
- Identifying relevant case law, rulings and legal articles.
- Writing formal recommendations on the handling of cases.
- Preparing trial documents such as motions, pleadings and legal arguments.
- Organizing and keeping track of case documents.
- Being present to assist lawyers while in court.
- Drafting other legal documents such as contracts, mortgages, living wills, trust funds and separation agreements.
Paralegals may also coordinate the activities of other staff members, handle administrative tasks and manage accounting.
Seven out of ten legal assistants work for law firms. Others work for corporations or the government. Different areas of law in which they may specialize include:
- criminal law
- corporate law
- litigation
- bankruptcy
- immigration
- family law
- employee benefits
- intellectual property
- labor law
- real estate
- tax law
- disability law
- personal injury
Paralegals sometimes are self-employed, working freelance for lawyers or corporations who prefer not to have full-time legal staff.
Career Profiles
To help career searchers evaluate their options, BrainTrack has asked hundreds of workers to profile their jobs with a review and ratings. See below for a summary of this career compared to all rated careers and for detailed reviews.
| Category | This Career | All Rated Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | | |
| Opportunity for Promotion | | |
| Career Flexibility | | |
| How Cool Is The Career | | |
| How Stressful | | |
| Social Orientation | | |
| Earnings Potential | | |
| Task Variety | | |
| Job Security | | |
Job Title: Paralegal
Attended: Kaplan • Hagerstown, MD
Studied Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate
• Submitted: 1/21/2012
"I enjoy my job and the people I meet and help, but am not as happy as I could be in the quality of work my co-workers provide. I sometimes feel that I am carrying everything on my shoulders. I would love to further my education and one day have my own practice."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 6 | My teachers were wonderful and always there to answer any questions, and even took time out of their schedules to make sure all the material was understood. I feel the one thing they could have worked harder on was making sure the work was challenging enough for the more gifted member of the class, but yet not too hard for the people who tended to need more help. Also, I wish their relationships, or at least what I perceived of their relationships with possible employers, were a little more abundant and varied in terms of areas of the law. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 3 | The office in which I work is, again, small. There are only two lawyers, one of which works full time. They are not partners. The only positions we have are lawyers and the paralegals. Unless I obtain further schooling and pass the BAR exam and he needs another lawyer, I am staying where I am. |
| Job Security | 8 | I work in a small town practice. The lawyer I work for is very successful and well known. I feel like as long as I continue to do my job to my best ability, my job is safe. |
| Earnings Potential | 6 | I feel my earning potential could be better, and could be worse. If I choose to leave my current practice and move to a more high profile city, I feel my earnings would skyrocket, but as of now my earnings are average, and so are my raises. I also feel I have the option of obtaining my law degree, so that's an option for more earnings. |
| How Stressful | 6 | In my line of law, workers compensation, social security, and personal injury, you know some people's financial well being rests on the quality of work you do. Sometimes you take that stress home with you, and you wonder "Did I lose anything? or "Could I have done more to provide this client with all the information?" On the flip side, it gets tiring seeing so many people trying to take advantage of the system! |
| Task Variety | 6 | My day is not always spent in the same place, as it is in some positions. Some days I can be in the courtroom, some days at my desk. Some day I must travel to see clients, or do depositions. I feel I get a little bit more variation than most jobs in the fact that I am someplace different at least 3 times a week. I'm not always stuck in the office. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 3 | I feel these traits depend on the location of the job. It has the possibility to be glamorous and exciting. Again, I work in a small town practice. There is not much glamour or prestige here. The most influential person I have met in my capacity as paralegal is Todd Rock, our State Representative. If I were someplace else, like D.C., I feel it would be very glamorous and exciting. I feel there I would meet more powerful people, and I would possibly have a say in things that affect the nation. |
| Career Flexibility | 5 | I feel my work is somewhat flexible. There are many things I can work on from home such as editing and proofreading, research, and drafting legal documents. However, a big part of my job is meeting with clients, going to court, and bouncing papers back and forth between myself and the lawyer before they're ready, so I need to be in the office a lot. There are many locations which provide opportunities, as well as specializations. Currently I specialize in workers compensation, social security, and personal injury, but if I decided, I could change practices tomorrow and work in real estate law. |
| Social Orientation | 7 | I see a lot of people on a weekly bases. From potential clients, clients, co-workers, judges, clerks, vocational rehabilitation experts secretaries, doctors, other lawyers, etc. I feel I get to interact with a wide variety of people and job types, and I enjoy the diversity. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Delta State University • Cleveland, MS
Studied Psychology (completion in 2005)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 1/19/2012
"Being a legal assistant, there are many job opportunities available to me. However, living in a small town, my options are limited and do not provide for a competitive enough environment as far as the pay is concerned."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | Delta State University is a great school. I did not earn a degree as a paralegal but I feel I received a great education in my major of psychology and my minor of sociology. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 5 | While there are many job opportunities out there, there is a ceiling on the opportunities for legal assistants. They will never be more than an assistant to someone else. There are higher paying positions, like court administrators or law clerks, but there is not much room for advancement beyond that. |
| Job Security | 10 | There will always be people needing attorneys and attorneys will always need legal assistants. There are also many opportunities outside of a firm. Legal assistants may pursue jobs within the court system as well as many other areas. |
| Earnings Potential | 6 | In the small town I live in there is not much opportunity for earnings potential. In larger cities there are substantially more opportunities because they have large firms and more employers, thus creating a more competitive environment. |
| How Stressful | 10 | The law firm I work for is mainly a family law practice. We deal with child custody and divorce on a day to day basis. These can be very stressful times for our clients and I often bear the brunt of their stress or frustration with the opposing party. I often have to utilize my training in psychology. |
| Task Variety | 3 | Because we practice primarily in family law, a majority of what I do is repetitive. There is a process that must be followed for certain types of matters (divorce, contempt, etc.). The facts vary from client to client but the process is the same. I am also responsible for the accounting and that process rarely varies either. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 8 | When people think of anyone in the field of law, they automatically think of money, big houses, nice cars, etc. While this is certainly not the case for people in positions like myself, it is nice for people to have that perception. |
| Career Flexibility | 3 | My current position does not have flexibility. I work 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. I suppose some legal assistants could work from home doing research, but a majority of my work requires me to be in the office. I also have to conform to the court schedule. If the courthouse is closed and my Judges are out, then there is not much I can accomplish until they are back in office. |
| Social Orientation | 10 | There is constant social interaction with clients, other firms, the court clerks, etc. I have met many people through my job and continue to meet new ones every day. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Sacred Heart University • Fairfield, CT
Studied Paralegal (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate
• Submitted: 1/22/2012
"I am just beginning in my career, but so far I am somewhat satisfied. I have been able to be involved in many of our cases, and have learned our processes so that I can hopefully advance."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | I took a program that was online-based. It was very thorough, and was very writing intensive. I have heard my coworkers talk about courses offered by our other state schools, and it seems as though the online course I took had more to offer. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 8 | As I wrote above, there are a lot of new opportunities in our company that pop up as we grow internationally. Being promoted internally is very common, as internal applicants tend to have knowledge of the brand and the way the company works. On the negative side, there are limitations to how far one can advance without a law degree. This is true for our company, and I am sure it is true for other companies/firms as well. I will say, though, that there are jobs that are beyond the basic paralegal job that can be obtained with a paralegal certificate and the right amount of experience. |
| Job Security | 9 | I work at a company that franchises restaurants. We have been continuing to grow internationally, and only encounter more legal problems as we grow. The legal department of a growing corporation is a great place to work, because there are always new issues that arise and there are always new positions being created. |
| Earnings Potential | 5 | In my current company, there is slightly below average earnings potential. I have heard others talk about higher paying paralegal positions in other companies or firms. As with any career, it depends on where you work. |
| How Stressful | 7 | Generally, the job is pretty manageable. However, there are times when there are multiple deadlines close to one another, or when a certain task takes up a large portion of your time. |
| Task Variety | 5 | My daily tasks are pretty consistent on a day to day basis. The cases we handle vary, but my responsibilities are relatively similar from case to case. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 5 | I don't think there is anything glamorous, exciting, or prestigious about clerical work. Even the basic researching and drafting can be very dry to some people. |
| Career Flexibility | 6 | We are not salary employees, so we are not allowed to create our own schedules or to work from home. Our company, though, is very flexible in terms of time off for vacation and/or family related emergencies. |
| Social Orientation | 8 | We interact frequently because we all work on the same cases. We may all have different roles in this work, but there is a lot of interaction. This interaction takes place between attorneys and paralegals and legal assistants. |
Job Title: Paralegal
Attended: Marquette University • Milwaukee, WI
Studied Political Science (completion in 1981)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's
• Submitted: 2/14/2012
"I enjoy my career when I get good results for my clients. I dislike my career when we bill clients for things that really don't benefit them."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 9 | The professors were good. I wish, however, that I had studied business or journalism. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 5 | I work for a sole practitioner. Some firms promote from within, but some don't. |
| Job Security | 10 | I have learned various areas of law. There always seems to be a lot of open positions in the legal field. |
| Earnings Potential | 9 | You can earn a lot if you work with the right person who appreciates your work. There are a lot of firms that don't pay that well. |
| How Stressful | 10 | We deal with a lot of deadlines. We have to solve clients' difficult problems for them. |
| Task Variety | 10 | We practice in various areas of the law. I wear different hats during the day. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 5 | Lawyers are not real cool these days. There is a lot of negative public opinion about lawyers. |
| Career Flexibility | 2 | I have to be in the office. Also, when I go on vacation, I constantly get calls from my office. |
| Social Orientation | 8 | I have a lot of contact with clients. I also have a lot of contact with potential sources of business. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Metropolitan Technical Community College • Omaha, NE
Studied Legal Assistant Studies (completion in 1997)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/13/2012
"There are very few jobs out there. I have worked with a lot of rude people in my past experiences."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | It was a good school, but four year degrees are looked at more favorably. They promised more then they could deliver. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 3 | Unless I were to get a higher degree or get more experience, it would be difficult. The hard part is finding the opportunity to get more experience. |
| Job Security | 1 | There are few jobs out there in my field. Also, I feel a lot of legal offices go through assistants very quickly. |
| Earnings Potential | 4 | When I was in school, I was told I would make a lot more than I can. In the last three years, I have received a dollar pay raise. |
| How Stressful | 7 | Being the backbone of a law office, you have to get things done on time. Also, you must deal with the attitudes of your superiors. |
| Task Variety | 4 | Every story is different, so they do vary to a degree. But, you do see the same paperwork every day. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 5 | I do get very interested in cases and some of them are quiet 'cool.' But, a lot of what I do is just paper-pushing. |
| Career Flexibility | 4 | My previous job was very flexible. I got time off for my daughter's school events. On the other hand, sick days have always been a problem. |
| Social Orientation | 7 | I constantly talk with clients. Within the office, communication isn't as frequent. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Florida Atlantic University • Boca Raton, FL
Studied Law (completion in 2008)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/13/2012
"I am satisfied with the pay. However, the job is very demanding and stressful."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | The training was hands on and informative. My professors were great. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 4 | I could get bonuses and higher pay, but there isn't room for advancement unless I take the Bar or further my education. I feel stuck as a legal assistant, quite frankly. |
| Job Security | 8 | I have very good relationships with my coworkers and boss. However, there is always the possibility of economic crisis which might jeopardize my career. |
| Earnings Potential | 9 | The pay is great. There is the potential for bonuses on big cases. |
| How Stressful | 10 | I have never been more stressed in my life. I am given load after load, case after case to research and organize for my superiors. It is very difficult, time-consuming, and stress-inducing. |
| Task Variety | 3 | The same process is repeated daily. Monotony is pervasive. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 3 | Some cases are interesting, but with time, they all seem dull. My office has a very stuffy, 'boys club' feel to it. |
| Career Flexibility | 1 | The work is stringent and stressful. I don't get to see my kids much. |
| Social Orientation | 8 | There is lots of socializing and communication. That's probably the only thing keeping us (most of us) sane. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Williamsport Area Community College • Williamsport, PA
Studied Legal Secretarial (completion in 1980)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/12/2012
"I love my job and the opportunity I have to learn something new every day."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 5 | I don't think any amount of schooling can prepare you for what a legal assistant/secretary does on a day-to-day basis. School did teach me how to proofread well and, back in the day, shorthand (which I still use). |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 4 | There are very few opportunities to get promoted, however, your attorney(s) can give you more complicated tasks to do. My senior partner never uses the paralegals in our office because he tells them I can do the work faster and better. In addition, there are opportunities to get involved in making your workplace better for everyone. I am a workgroup coordinator responsible for managing the work of a group of 10 legal assistants. In addition, I serve on several committees. |
| Job Security | 10 | I have been with this firm for 26 years. I have no intention of leaving. |
| Earnings Potential | 10 | While my husband was unemployed (for four years), I was able to support our family of four. The longer you work in the field, the more valuable your knowledge becomes. |
| How Stressful | 10 | I work for three attorneys, one partner, one senior associate, and one new associate. There are deadlines every day and the pressure to put out high quality work. With the advent of e-filing, it's not uncommon to find yourself at the office at midnight to make a filing deadline. |
| Task Variety | 10 | No two days are the same. The only constant are the administrative tasks--billing, filing, opening files. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 3 | It's a blue collar job. Nobody wants to be a secretary these days. Although a lot of people think it would be cool to work in a law firm, the reality is very different. |
| Career Flexibility | 8 | My firms has flexible hours and as long as you get your 40 hours in and the work done, it's up to you the hours you want to work. Most firms are not that flexible. There are legal assistant/secretary jobs across the nation and with experience you can find a job anywhere. However, once you have worked as a legal assistant/secretary you will find you will be deemed over qualified for non-legal type jobs. Also, within the legal assistant/secretary field, you can work in the area of law that most interests you. |
| Social Orientation | 10 | You are constantly speaking with the attorneys you work with as well as other attorneys/support staff. This is a communication/information business. You are also constantly speaking with clients. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: University Of California, Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA
Studied American Literature (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's
• Submitted: 2/8/2012
"I plan to attend law school this year and work to become an attorney myself, so being a legal assistant is not my long-term idea of a "career." For now, though, I see this as valuable work experience, so I value the opportunity to work at a small firm."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 9 | Though I didn't study anything related specifically to law, the English department at UCLA helped me hone my writing and reading skills, as well as my need to be organized. These skills have been helpful while working under an attorney because he often needs me to write professional emails on his behalf, or to fill out other professional documents. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 1 | Again, my employer and I are at an understanding that my time at his firm will only be temporary, and so there will be no room for an opportunity to get promoted. Additionally, there is no other room for promotion other than becoming an attorney. |
| Job Security | 9 | I plan to resign in the fall when I begin law school, and my employer is already aware of my plans. I highly doubt that I would be asked to leave before then, especially because I have good relations with my employer. |
| Earnings Potential | 4 | I'm not paid very well, but it is the highest-paying clerical job I've had to date. If I depended on my income more, or if I didn't plan to attend law school, I would have likely searched for a job that was full time and that paid a better wage. |
| How Stressful | 5 | Because I work part-time, I generally don't have to deal with too much stress in the workplace. I will occasionally get stressed, but only because the attorney I assist becomes frustrated with his work. His attitude can create a non-friendly environment. |
| Task Variety | 3 | My work is fairly consistent and trivial across the week. I mostly do basic administrative and filing duties for my supervising attorney. I will also complete any type of errand that he demands during the week, but it is usually fairly consistent. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 6 | My job does not feel very cool, but many of my friends are currently working in retail. In relation to those jobs, there does feel like there's a bit more prestige, but overall, it feels like any other basic clerical work. |
| Career Flexibility | 4 | Though I am only scheduled to work part-time, I'm required to be at the office every day, so working at home is not a possibility. Because I work at a small firm, there is little room for flexibility in career options and specializations. I almost exclusively work as the assistant to one attorney. |
| Social Orientation | 5 | There's not much social communication in the office. I work at the front table, so I check in other attorneys and clients. This is about as much social interaction I get during the work day. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Harrisburg Area Community College • Lancaster, PA
Studied Paralegal (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/20/2012
"I love the professionalism of working in the legal field. It gives me the value in myself that professional work is supposed to give. I have the ability to help people that I know with the contacts that I am making. I do work very long hours and sometimes I am not clear about what the lawyers are expecting out of me."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 9 | I loved learning from women in the field. All of the teachers in law had many years experience and that transcended into a rich learning environment. It also encouraged me as a woman to achieve more and expect more success from myself. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 3 | I do not feel that I really have opportunity to get promoted per se. I do feel that I have ample opportunity to progress financially, but I will stay basically at the same level - a Legal Assistant. |
| Job Security | 10 | I have chosen to work in estate planning. I feel that many areas of the law are very secure because legal transactions will need to get done, no matter what the economic situation is, as long as we have a civilization. I also think that as a Legal Assistant I am more affordable to a firm then an attorney. The field that I choose married up well with my past work experience with seniors and insurance. So I feel with my paralegal degree and my work experience, I am well qualified for the area of law I am in. |
| Earnings Potential | 10 | I think that it is one of the best careers for a woman, especially a single woman, to earn and increase in earnings. You will work for it, though! |
| How Stressful | 10 | Perfectionism is a virtue in this field. When you make a mistake, which you will, Oh Boy! I guess it depends on who you work for, but everything must be done with precision and timeliness. If you have to stay until the wee hours, that is what has to be done. |
| Task Variety | 6 | Estate planning is filing of papers and drawing up wills, etc. I enjoy working with the clients and learning about their families and plans, etc. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 10 | My job is very cool. I have to dress impeccably every day. I speak a different language then the average person and everyone is impressed! I love to watch legal shows with my friends and family and critique all the wrong procedures on the show! I especially like it when someone tries to fight with me about it and I can give some example from court, or school, or work! Very cool. |
| Career Flexibility | 2 | I would like to meet the person who works at home as a legal assistant. You need to be around other people as they are key to your career in this business. You have to go to court and know the people in the court so that your filings will get done faster and without problems. Other people are very important in the legal field. I guess you could do some stuff at home, but... |
| Social Orientation | 10 | People are very important in the law. I did not realize how important it is to network in this business. Everyone uses social gatherings to get to know their future contacts. It is how lawyers refer each other. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Community College Of Allegheny County • Pittsburgh, PA
Studied Paralegal Studies (completion in 1987)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/18/2012
"The work that I do is challenging and interesting. However, the pay I receive is not commensurate with what I believe I should be paid."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 10 | The program was informative and comprehensive. The education made me competent in the area in which I am employed. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 5 | The opportunity for advancement is limited in a smaller firm. The firm I work in has only four attorneys. |
| Job Security | 10 | I have been employed at the same law firm for a decade. My employer has expressed her dependence on my assistance. |
| Earnings Potential | 8 | The earning potential increases with the more experience that you receive. Changing employment to a larger firm with commensurate level of experience creates a very promising earnings potential. |
| How Stressful | 8 | It is always stressful when dealing with people who have a crisis or need assistance. It is even more stressful working for lawyers, who are high strung by nature. |
| Task Variety | 5 | Daily tasks of answering the phone and dealing with clients never changes. Doing the assignments allocated by the employer are ever changing and vary regularly. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 5 | It is "cool" working for lawyers. However, it would be "cooler" being a lawyer. |
| Career Flexibility | 5 | A legal assistant can often find a job that is part time or gives them the ability to work from home if the employer has the ability to network. However, a legal assistant usually must be at the actual office location to deal with incoming calls and walk-in clients |
| Social Orientation | 10 | Working as a legal assistant or secretary requires social interaction by its nature. The social interaction is daily with clients, and by the hour with the employer. |
Job Title: Paralegal
Attended: Florence Darlington Technical College • Florence, SC
Studied Paralegal (completion in 2007)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 2/25/2012
"I dread going to work everyday. It is very boring."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 4 | The courses were taught very fast and it was hard to retain all of the information. The teachers were not very good either. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 3 | Unless I move to a bigger company, there is no way for me to advance in my current location. |
| Job Security | 2 | I am one of three Legal Secretaries who all work for one attorney. I am the only one who went to school for this degree, and yet I know a lot less than those who did not go to school. |
| Earnings Potential | 3 | I took a pay cut to become a paralegal. I make less than minimum wage. |
| How Stressful | 7 | With so many clients, there are so many deadlines. Some days you are going nonstop from the time you walk in the door until you clock out. Between interviewing potential clients, typing letters, and going over documents, you don't have a moment to sit down. |
| Task Variety | 2 | I do the same thing everyday. It might be for a different client, but either way I'm typing, filing, calling clients, or interviewing clients. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 7 | If I lived in a bigger town, then I would say this career is very glamorous. You get to go to the courthouse and watch live cases before your very eyes. There is always something new and exciting walking in the door. |
| Career Flexibility | 8 | This job is very flexible. If you decide you did not want to work in the office, you could find many other opportunities for work. You could become a typist. |
| Social Orientation | 2 | The only people I interact with are my co-workers and maybe a client or two. I do not go to meetings or the courthouse. |
Job Title: Paralegal With Degree
Attended: Maric College • San Diego, CA
Studied Paralegal Studies (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 3/7/2012
"On my way to becoming an attorney, I made the decision to be a paralegal first because an associates degree is transferable to a bachelors degree. I found myself in a "niche" where there is a high demand for "clerical-like" secretaries with an education. My schooling was 2 years long, and was mentally intensive. Our instructors frequently mentioned to us that they were teaching us to be prepared to be attorneys, therefore, there was a high standard expected at school, and that high expectation transferred to my career. I find myself in situations that are versatile, and this allows me to better negotiate my pay. I believe that I am making a relatively respectable pay for only graduating with a two-year degree."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | My professors and instructors believed that the students would eventually become attorneys or at least jurisprudents. Therefore, my education was very intense. We were graded on a "bell" and we had to fight for our grades. We were told to practice law in our mock situations to better understand the law, the principals, doctrines and theories. The education was very methodical. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 9 | I work in a corporate office so there is a lot of opportunity to advance. In corporations paralegals, can be admins and they can be the "legal department." |
| Job Security | 8 | To do my job, one must have the following qualifications: 1. Be a legal secretary or paralegal 2. Have at least 3-5 years experience 3. Be a fast learner 4. Be a problem solver 5. Work independently 5. Be personable 6. Be professional 7. Understand basic local and federal laws and procedures |
| Earnings Potential | 8 | A well educated paralegal will earn more than a new attorney. The more you learn, the more you will get paid. |
| How Stressful | 8 | When people come to see you they are usually stressed out and they feel like the world is coming to an end. You can also see the ugly side of humanity. Litigation is nothing short of "fighting." Attorneys and clients are always playing an intimidation game and paralegals need to watch what they say over the phone constantly. |
| Task Variety | 6 | The phones never stop, the attorneys wait till the 11th hour to meet a deadline, the clients sometimes lie and then you have to scramble to protect them last minute. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 2 | A Paralegal career is not a well known career, so people often think you are a receptionist. There are a lot of secretaries that work in law offices and give paralegals a bad name because of their inadequate knowledge and poor professionalism. There are attorneys that are disrespectful, too. |
| Career Flexibility | 7 | I love being a paralegal because of the flexibility. Attorneys do not get caught up in the pretentious micro management policies. They are always focusing on the bottom line and the big picture. Very often it all comes down to "...I do not care what you do [paralegal], just make sure the work is completed." I can often choose my hours and go to lunch when I want. |
| Social Orientation | 7 | Attorneys are constantly sponsoring local events and fundraisers. They also purchase tickets for sports games and other local events for their employees. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Lewis & Clark Community College • Godfrey, IL
Studied Criminal Justice (completion in 2004)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 3/8/2012
"Overall I am pretty happy with my career. I work for a great firm with lots of perks to balance out the stresses and drawbacks."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 5 | I assume the paralegal program I went though is like most others. Honestly it really did very little to prepare me for what I actually do. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 5 | There isn't a lot of room for advancement here. Pay increases yes, but short of being an actually attorney, there isn't much. |
| Job Security | 10 | I've worked for my current employer for almost 9 years. Most of the employees stay around for a very long time. |
| Earnings Potential | 10 | We get yearly pay increases and several bonus opportunities. I'm also allowed to work overtime when the need arises. |
| How Stressful | 7 | Our firm has a very high volume caseload. The work can get overwhelming sometimes. |
| Task Variety | 3 | I do pretty much the same thing every day. That said, just because the tasks are the same doesn't mean the people are the same. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 10 | We get to hear about a lot of really interesting cases. I've even been in one of our commercials. |
| Career Flexibility | 10 | The legal field has many types of jobs. I personally work 40 hours a week and have the option for overtime. Our firm also employs people part time or as interns. |
| Social Orientation | 10 | Our firm is very social. We have a lot of events through our community service. My coworkers are some of my best friends. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: University Of Missouri • Kansas City, MO
Studied Political Science (completion in 2000)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's
• Submitted: 3/4/2012
"Stable job, good income, great benefits."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 10 | Solid background that provided me with skills necessary for career. School is well respected locally. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 1 | There are no higher positions to move into. Legal Assistant title is highest in the field. |
| Job Security | 10 | Profitable firm and good working relationship with my supervising attorney. Great practice area. |
| Earnings Potential | 9 | Solid career with average salary increases of 5-7% per year with an annual bonus. I work for a profitable company. |
| How Stressful | 10 | Litigation is extremely stressful. Workload adds to the stress level. |
| Task Variety | 10 | Every day is different. Deadlines and nature of litigation allows for varied work duties. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 10 | The legal field is cool because it's largely unfamiliar to most people. It is always in need. |
| Career Flexibility | 2 | Work hours are generally 8-5 with little flexibility. Sometimes extra hours are required in the evenings and on weekends during heavy litigation. |
| Social Orientation | 2 | Attorneys relate with other attorneys. Support staff relates with support staff. No one dates, but there are friendships. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Attended: Valencia Community College • Orlando, FL
Studied Business (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate
• Submitted: 3/11/2012
"I enjoy working as a criminal paralegal/assistant but would like to continue my schooling, possibly law school. I really enjoy the criminal field and all the different types of cases we receive. I'm not completely satisfied with my career because I would like to become even more knowledgeable in this field."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 5 | I did not attend my school to receive a degree/certificate for this career. I started as a receptionist at the law firm I am still currently working at and was promoted to a legal assistant handling all the criminal files. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 7 | My boss is always encouraging me to go to law school and is even willing to pay for my schooling. He has a lot of trust in me and would like to see me progress and become an attorney for his law firm. |
| Job Security | 10 | I feel my job is very secure due to the fact that I am very dependable. I come in on time everyday and do my job, simple as that. I work until the job is done. |
| Earnings Potential | 9 | If I continue my education in this field and become an attorney, my earnings would increase significantly. At the law firm I am currently at I have opportunities for taking over the law firm if my boss was to become a judge. |
| How Stressful | 6 | My job has a pretty average stress level to it. I am responsible for scheduling hearings, organizing the calendar, and making sure my attorney has an organized file and is ready for court. If a client misses a court date because I didn't tell them, they could face jail time, so that can be a bit stressful. |
| Task Variety | 4 | Most of my tasks are the same every day - Scheduling, calling clients, organizing files, requesting discovery, etc. Sometimes last minute hearings or emergencies pop up, but for the most part there are pretty much the same day to day tasks. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 8 | I think it's pretty cool to be a part of helping my attorney win cases. It's very interesting to read the types of cases we get. |
| Career Flexibility | 5 | I usually work 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday. I do have vacation time and sick days, but I rarely take them. I could possibly change to part-time, maybe working half days, but I would definitely be increasing my work load. |
| Social Orientation | 6 | Most people in my office are older, not to mention its a very small office, so we aren't able to take lunches together. I do stay busy on the phone with clients and other attorneys or judicial assistants discussing case information or scheduling depositions, hearings, etc. |
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Attended: Chatham University • Pittsburgh, PA
Studied Spanish & Cultural Studies (completion in 2002)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's
• Submitted: 3/12/2012
"My job is not in a field I planned to work in, based on my education and interests. However, I am very good at the duties and it gives me the flexibility I need to take care of my daughter."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 8 | My education in my field was excellent. I had every opportunity to pursue interesting and enriching travel and study opportunities. I am completely satisfied with my college experience. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 5 | The only chance for promotion I have is if I take on more paralegal responsibilities, which I am open to doing. However, my boss can only afford to pay one paralegal, and he already has one who is very good and has been working with him for a long time. |
| Job Security | 8 | I know my boss loves my work and would never fire me or lay me off. However, he does plan to retire in the next few years and I don't know if my position will still exist when a new attorney takes over his practice. |
| Earnings Potential | 5 | Legal secretaries in this area are usually paid minimum wage or slightly above. My boss pays me better than average but it's still not much, especially since there are no benefits at all. |
| How Stressful | 6 | Most days are average compared to other jobs I've had. Occasionally there is a tight deadline and since we have such a small staff, everyone is stretched to the limit. |
| Task Variety | 5 | It's a good mix of tasks. Compares averagely to other jobs I've had. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 3 | I don't think many people are jealous of my job, aside from it being a "white collar" job. Our office is in a very old building that is not very attractive, and my coworkers are older people who are not hip in any way. My job is also fairly boring & repetitive compared to other jobs that require more creativity. |
| Career Flexibility | 10 | My boss was extremely accommodating in changing my schedule from full to part time after my daughter was born. He lets me work at home for extra hours often, and is open to my ideas on how to change and improve things. |
| Social Orientation | 9 | I deal with the public frequently - on the phone, in person at the office, and at courthouses and other offices. I also work very closely with all of my coworkers every day on different cases and other office tasks. We are nearly always in conversation with someone. |
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
