If you`ve ever wondered, “What is a legal assistant?” you`re not alone. Although the term may seem explicit, paralegals are not the same as paralegals. There are certain skills that many paralegals have to perform their duties. By reviewing resumes, we were able to refine the most common skills for someone in this position. We found that many resumes listed communication, computer and research skills. They also help understand the client and take on a more personal role in the relationship by helping clients fully understand the legal process, which can be essential for them to feel comfortable and safe. Emotional intelligence: Legal assistants are typically responsible for answering phones and emails, scheduling meetings, greeting and talking to clients. They also work closely with lawyers and other professionals. The ability to quickly understand the needs of others allows them to work effectively. Salaries for paralegals vary depending on training and experience. The BLS does not distinguish between the salaries of paralegals and paralegals in its report above, but the BLS reports an average salary of $51,740 for both professions. Computers: Legal staff store and organize important documents and information in electronic databases. You should also have strong computer research skills.

Most companies maintain online scheduling systems, so paralegals should be able to keep a detailed electronic calendar. Paralegals may earn more than paralegals because of training and hiring standards. According to the NFPA, a four-year apprenticeship is the hiring standard for paralegals in many markets. Salary may vary by location, education, industry and employer. BLS data shows the average salary of paralegals and paralegals in these industries: Time Management: Since paralegals often work in fast-paced situations and may need to handle multiple cases at once, it`s important to plan and manage time effectively. Some legal assistants manage multiple schedules and should be able to maintain each one accurately. There will be many normal 9-5 day business days as a legal assistant. But there will also be many working days that will be very long. You`ll likely also work nights and weekends, especially if a court case is pending. With this type of job growth, it`s reasonable to assume that you can quickly find a legal assistant after receiving the training you need. Also, you might find yourself in a situation where recruiters find you and invite you to apply for jobs instead of finding jobs to apply for yourself. The “Skills” section of your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate representation of what you can do.

Luckily, we`ve found all the skills you need, so even if you don`t already have those skills, you know what you need to work on. Of all the resumes we reviewed, 23.0% of legal assistants have legal documents on their resumes, but soft skills such as communication and computer skills are also important. There are three ways to become a legal assistant. The first and most common is to obtain an associate`s degree in paralegal studies. This is a post-secondary qualification that aims to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge needed to work as a legal assistant. It usually takes about 2 years and students enjoy more job prospects and a better salary once they complete this course. Admission to these courses is easy as there are no admission requirements. These courses may also include an internship to provide students with on-the-job training. There are many reasons to become a legal assistant. Maybe you`re looking for a career that`s both challenging and rewarding.

Or maybe you`re interested in law, but don`t want to go to law school. Legal assistants can be found in a variety of workplaces, including the public and private sectors. They work with large law firms, private firms and sometimes large corporations that need ongoing legal assistance. They may specialize in a particular area of law, but their skills are generally more general and tailored to each area of law. Now, you`ve covered everything you need to know about life as a legal assistant. At this point, you`ll have a good idea of what to expect in education and at work, and what it takes to succeed in that career. These lawyers are also involved in the planning of the cases assigned to them. This means monitoring and meeting documentation deadlines, scheduling meetings and dates for court proceedings, and tracking the progress of their cases. To this end, they usually handle all preparations for meetings with clients and other lawyers and set times for meetings, statements and interviews. If you`re interested in becoming a legal assistant, one of the first things you should consider is the level of education you need. We found that 51.3% of legal assistants have a bachelor`s degree. In terms of higher education level, we found that 4.4% of paralegals have a master`s degree.

Although most paralegals have a college diploma, it is possible to become only with a high school diploma or GED. If you are interested in legal careers, you should explore other options. Learn about the differences between a paralegal and a paralegal, including education and job responsibilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for paralegals and paralegals was $52,920 per year, or $25.44 per hour, in 2020. Graduate as a paralegal. Employers are usually looking for paralegals with some level of formal training. This can range from a two-year associate degree in paralegal studies to a four-year bachelor`s degree. Not all institutions offer degrees in paralegal studies, so you can pursue a related degree such as public policy or political science.

Finally, if you plan to study law, you must first obtain a bachelor`s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for paralegals and paralegals will increase by 12% this decade. This corresponds to above-average growth. More than 41,000 additional jobs in this field are expected to be needed in 2030, not 2020. Apply for jobs. Apply for legal assistants at law firms, insurance companies, banks, real estate companies, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. You may be looking for a job in areas of particular interest to you, such as immigration, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law or corporate law. Some companies hire a legal assistant with no professional experience, while others need experience in a legal framework.

Legal assistants typically work full-time in law firms. However, some work for government agencies or legal departments in corporate offices. Paralegals may work long hours or overtime during cases or to meet deadlines. You may be able to travel outside the office to collect or deliver documents or assist lawyers during the process. Part of the value of a legal assistant is that their exact role and responsibilities can vary depending on the specific needs of a law firm. However, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) classifies legal assistants as individuals whose work includes certain administrative and secretarial tasks to assist a lawyer, with some tasks overlapping those of a paralegal. These paralegal duties include legal research if the person has sufficient training and experience. While these rules are good general guidelines, specific codes and rules for working with paralegals may vary from province or territory to jurisdiction. With that in mind, it`s important to review your state`s rules and regulations and comply with how lawyers can work with paralegals (and the tasks they can assign).