If you were to ask twenty professional paralegals what a "typical" workday is like, you'd likely receive twenty different answers. Indeed, the position of a legal assistant encompasses a wide and ever-changing variety of tasks. That said, there are many common duties and responsibilities that are characteristic to the role.

In the face of these tough economic times, the paralegal profession is one of the few fields that are still experiencing rapid growth and consistent stability. Why? With the goal of reducing overhead expenses, many of the country's law firms are transitioning everyday legal activities to assistants instead of lawyers. Since paralegals have a lower billable rate than their bosses, this allows the attorneys to focus on more revenue-producing tasks.

Although salaries range widely depending on location, type of practice, and level of experience, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated in 2006 that legal assistants earned an average of $43,040 per year. Many employers also offer periodic bonuses to their paralegals to reward them for overtime hours worked.

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Today’s top law firms agree: formal education or training goes a long way toward obtaining a high-quality, well-paying position as a paralegal. Aspiring legal assistants can earn their Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degrees from one of nearly 1,000 paralegal schools throughout the country. Although formal education is important, there are other ways in which you can build your repertoire of skills and credentials, including certifications and internships.

A paralegal internship serves as an excellent supplement to a traditional degree. For many paralegals, a position as an intern can lead to an offer of full-time employment from the firm after the program's completion. Even if you don't get a job offer, an internship provides you with an array of career-boosting benefits:

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Even in the face of a struggling economy, the paralegal field remains one of the fastest-growing professions. Also known as a legal assistant, a paralegal serves as a liaison between the attorney and the client. Although they're not qualified to dispense legal advice or argue cases in court, paralegals provide an indispensable host of services to lawyers.

Varying widely from one hour to the next, a legal assistant's duties can include screening potential clients, contacting witnesses, scheduling appointments, performing research, fact-checking, preparing letters and legal documents, and assisting with general office management. Specialized responsibilities can vary according to the type of legal practice.

A career as a paralegal can offer an array of attractive benefits, including job stability, generous compensation, and ample opportunity for professional growth and development. For those who are interested in breaking into the field, there are several key considerations to take into account:

Education

While formal education is not a hard-and-fast prerequisite to secure a job as a paralegal, those who do have relevant schooling or training will definitely have an advantage when being considered by a prospective employer.

There are four basic levels of paralegal education that can be achieved:

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One of the fastest-growing professions in today's job market is the paralegal field. As more and more law firms attempt to save money by delegating essential tasks to legal assistants, the opportunities for employment increase each year. Even so, it's not always easy to obtain a job as a paralegal. The highly demanding position requires a unique combination of skills and qualifications, many of which can't be taught using books and curriculum.

How do you know if you're cut out to be a legal assistant?

Seeing paralegals in action on your favorite courtroom television show isn't enough. Before embarking on the path to become a paralegal, you should carefully examine your characteristics and motivations to determine if you have what it takes.

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If you've already completed an accredited paralegal education program and obtained an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree, you're well on your way to landing a high-caliber, potentially lucrative position as a legal assistant. While formal education is not officially required to work as a paralegal, it will help to give you an advantage over other candidates when seeking a position at an esteemed firm. But the learning doesn't end with the procurement of your diploma. To keep your professional momentum going and to maintain your status as a qualified, competent paralegal, you'll need to engage in continuing education throughout your career. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is important not just for paralegals, but for attorneys, researchers, and anyone employed in the field of law.

In the legal profession, laws and regulations are constantly changing. With new precedents being set and new interpretations being formed every day, continuing education is essential to staying apprised of industry developments. By being proactive in seeking out new information, you'll become more of an asset to your employer and will be better equipped to perform your job duties effectively.

Depending on your geographical location and the regulations set forth by your employer, earning CLE credits may be a mandatory condition of your employment.

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