Explore This Path

Paralegal

💰 Earn $60K-$98K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 -0.3% Job Growth

Ideal for those passionate about law and supporting justice.
Play a crucial role in legal processes and case preparation.
Dive into diverse legal fields, from contracts to real estate.

What Paralegals DoAssist 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.

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
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.
Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.

Paralegals Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationAssociate Degree

Career ProspectsSteady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings40,800 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$77,390

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$60K25th percentile

$98K75th percentile

National Median

$62,890

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$50K25th percentile

$80K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@Katfitnlift

@Clearwaterlawgroup

@Stopgap_aus

@the702firm

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Instructing

Go Deeper: Paralegals Explained

ParalegalExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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What Is the Law & Public Safety Industry?