Johnson County Community College

Become a paralegal specialist

It is estimated that the job opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants will continue to grow at a faster than average pace, when compared to other occupations, through the year 2014. Although rapid employment growth has been predicted, job competition will continue as many workers enter into this industry; however, highly skilled, well educated paralegals should enjoy the best employment options.

The largest employer of paralegals will continue to be private law firms, but increasingly paralegals are being hired by other types of organizations, such as legal departments in corporations, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance companies, and banks. The public sector will likewise see a boom in job opportunities for paralegals. Openings for paralegals will arise when community legal-service programs, that provide assistance to disadvantaged members of society, restructure to better economize while also aiding as many people as possible.

Federal, State, and local government agencies, consumer organizations, and the courts ought to continue their trend of increasingly employing paralegals, as well. In the states of Kansas and Missouri, paralegals are required to work under an attorney's supervision.