Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Human Advantage 68%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.9 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Also Known As: Certified Paralegal, Contract Preparer, Contracts Specialist, Corporate Legal Assistant, Corporate Paralegal, Document Processor, Family Law Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal +17 more
Core Tasks
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Supplemental Tasks (6)
- File pleadings with court clerk.
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
- Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
- Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Manage attorneys' calendars and schedule meetings.
- Request, review, and summarize relevant records for the cases.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (99)
Tools & Equipment (8)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Judicial Systems Education
Zone 3
Paralegals and Legal Assistants You are here
Zone 4
Interpreters and Translators 76% match
Zone 5
Lawyers 78% match
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Paralegals and Legal Assistantss about their work: