A paralegal is a support role to a lawyer but does not practice law themselves. Paralegals perform duties like organizing files, conducting research and interviews, and preparing for various legal proceedings. They work in law firms, organizations, hospitals, corporations, and government agencies among other places. Paralegal specializations include areas like real estate, family law, health law, and environmental law. While a bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate is preferred, on-the-job training is also accepted. The median salary for paralegals is $46,990 annually, and the job outlook is projected to increase 28% between 2010-2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. What is a Paralegal?
• A paralegal is a support role to a lawyer but does not
practice law.
By Christina Hansen
“Behind every great lawyer is a great paralegal.”

2. Duties Performed By Paralegals
• Organize and maintain files
• Conducting research and interviews
• Preparing hearings, court
proceedings, trials, meetings, and all
other correspondence

3. Work Culture and Opportunities
• Law firms
• Organizations
• Hospitals
• Collection agencies
• Corporations
• Government agencies

4. Paralegal Specializations
• Real estate
• Family
• Health
• Environmental
• Energy

5. Paralegal Requirements
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree
• Paralegal certificate
• On the job training (a degree or
certificate is not required)

6. Salary of a Paralegal
(Median wages)
Legal Occupations
$75,270
Paralegals
$46,990
Total, all other occupations
$34,750

7. Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
projected paralegal occupations
to increase by %28 percent from
the year 2010-2018.

8. In conclusion to pursuing a career in paralegal

9. Works Cited
• Everette-Nolkamper, Pamela. Fundamental of Law Office Management. 5th ed. Delmar, 2014. Print.
• "Career Information." Career Information. American Bar Association, 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/resources/career_information.html>.
• "Paralegal: Salary." Paralegal Salary Information. U.S. News & World Report LP, 1 Jan. 2015. Web. 17 Apr.
2015. <http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/paralegal/salary>.