Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by researching legal precedents, investigating facts, and preparing documents for court cases and legal proceedings. They work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and courts, handling tasks that range from organizing evidence to drafting contracts and case summaries.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against paralegals and legal assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves researching case law and statutes using legal databases, organizing documents for discovery, conducting witness interviews, and drafting motions or legal memoranda. Paralegals attend client meetings, prepare trial materials, track filing deadlines, and communicate with courts and opposing counsel. Work often focuses on building factual records and supporting attorneys in case preparation and litigation strategy.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel at this work if you enjoy systematic investigation, organizing complex information, and following detailed procedures. People who do well here are usually drawn to problem-solving through research and documentation, prefer working within established rules and frameworks, and take satisfaction in supporting legal outcomes through careful, accurate work.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Civil Litigation Defense Paralegal · Orion Placement · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $75,000–$85,000
- Paralegal/Office Manager · Gpac · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $110,000–$115,000
- Paralegal Specialist · Bureau of Justice Grants · Washington, District of Columbia · $102415–$133142
- Supervisory Paralegal Specialist · Offices, Boards and Divisions · District of Columbia, District of Columbia · $102415–$133142
- Paralegal Specialist · Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys · Fargo, North Dakota · $74678–$97087
- Paralegal Specialist · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Multiple Locations · $40736–$80243
- Paralegal Specialist · U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command · Fort Meade, Maryland · $70623–$133142
- Paralegal Specialist · Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys · Corpus Christi, Texas · $62023–$97560
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $72,240 | $89,750 | $114,920 | 6,400 |
| Washington | $62,670 | $79,400 | $100,960 | 9,460 |
| Colorado | $62,560 | $78,190 | $95,070 | 5,620 |
| Massachusetts | $62,580 | $77,640 | $96,820 | 7,800 |
| California | $60,170 | $77,390 | $98,430 | 47,130 |
| Minnesota | $56,230 | $75,570 | $83,420 | 7,400 |
| New Jersey | $60,040 | $71,500 | $80,920 | 12,010 |
| Alaska | $61,100 | $68,700 | $84,880 | 570 |
| New York | $57,430 | $68,410 | $94,200 | 34,220 |
| Vermont | $58,530 | $67,160 | $78,620 | 660 |
| Maryland | $51,660 | $65,640 | $84,700 | 6,460 |
| Nevada | $55,410 | $64,680 | $76,980 | 3,620 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Paralegal (CP) — National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
- PACE Registered Paralegal (RP) — National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) (CRP) — National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- Professional Paralegal (PP) — National Association for Legal Support Professionals
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) — National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
- Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) — National Court Reporters Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 6 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against paralegals and legal assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 23-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.