Last Updated on July 30, 2023
Life of a Paralegal is a comprehensive educational resource providing an overview of all aspects of paralegal, from national averages for salary and job growth to an in-depth look at the types of organizations employing paralegals and work they perform. This guide provides information on education requirements, trends in the field, and personal qualifications necessary for entering this exciting and lucrative career field. Life of a Paralegal also includes sample resumes and cover letters as well as job descriptions for those seeking employment.
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings and corporate meetings. Depending on the size of the organization or firm, a paralegal’s duties could vary, especially in a smaller firm.
Paralegals typically perform the following duties:
- Help lawyers during trials
- Conduct research on laws, legal articles and regulations
- Organize and present information
- Keep information related to cases in computer databases
- Help lawyers by writing reports to prepare for trials
- Investigate facts of a case
- Draft correspondence and documents, such as mortgages and contracts
- Get formal statements and affidavits that could be used as evidence in court
How To Become A Paralegal In California
In addition to reviewing and organizing information, paralegals may prepare written reports that help lawyers determine how to handle their cases. If lawyers decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help draft documents and prepare the legal arguments to be filed with the court.
Rather than handling a case from beginning to end, paralegals that are employed in larger organizations work mostly on a particular phase of a case. For example, a litigation paralegal might only review legal material for internal use, conduct research for lawyers, maintain reference files, and collect and organize evidence for hearings. Litigation paralegals often do not attend trials, but might draft settlement agreements or prepare trial documents.
Law firms increasingly use computer software and technology in preparing for trials and for managing documents. Paralegals use computer software to prepare presentations and to draft and index documents. In addition, paralegals must be up to date on the latest software used for electronic discovery and familiar with electronic database management. Electronic discovery refers to all electronic materials that are related to a trial, such as data, emails, accounting databases, documents and websites.
Paralegals can assume more responsibilities by specializing in different areas. Some of these areas could be litigation, corporate law, criminal law, personal injury, employee benefits, intellectual property, bankruptcy, immigration, real estate and family law. In addition, experienced paralegals may assume supervisory responsibilities, such as delegating work to other paralegals or overseeing team projects.
Are you suited to be a paralegal?
Paralegals have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.
What is the workplace of a Paralegal like?
Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, but most work for a corporation’s legal department, government agencies or law firms. They usually work full time, and although most paralegals work year round, some are temporarily employed during busy times of the year. Paralegals who work for law firms may need to work overtime to meet deadlines. Occasionally, paralegals travel to gather information and do other tasks, but for the most part work in offices and law libraries.
How To Become A Paralegal In California
Practical Training Taught by Attorneys and Paralegals
Obtaining a paralegal certificate from top-tier University of California, Irvine, reflects your commitment to educational excellence and appreciation for academic challenge. Our American Bar Association-approved program gives you knowledge, career preparation, and a prestigious certificate that will differentiate you in the job market.
Who Should Enroll
If you are passionate about working with people, have an appreciation for the law, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a real difference in your work, a paralegal career is the perfect choice for you. Those interested in becoming part of a legal services delivery team working under the supervision of attorneys, considering law school, or wanting to take individual courses to brush up on specific skills, should attend.
Career Insight
Occupational summary for paralegals and legal assistants.Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Intl.314,499Annual Job Openings
(2019)12.5%Projected Growth
(2019-2029)$50kMedian Salary
(Highly experienced workers can earn up to $82k)Notice to Students re: Professional Licensure and Certification
- Related Downloads
- Paralegal Brochure
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- Submit a Job or Internship Posting
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- Gina Cho
(949) 824-4598
[email protected]
Paralegal Career and Program Information Session
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Program Benefits
- Approximately 300 hours of instruction from practicing attorneys and paralegals from leading law firms, corporations, and nonprofit organizations
- Evening option on-campus and online courses available
- Receive career coaching by an experienced paralegal to develop your resume, assist with your job search, and grow your paralegal professional network in the Legal Career Skills course
- Compressed Schedule available (earn your certificate in one quarter)
- Choose individual courses or participate in the complete certificate program
https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIVy5CYJcQk?rel=0&controls=1&showinfo=0Hear from graduates and members of the legal community as UCI’s Paralegal Program celebrates its 40th anniversary.Sign-in to LinkedIn to see what students are saying about their experience.
Program Career Services
As part of your Paralegal certificate program, you have access to one-on-one career counseling sessions and several career development resources:
- Job & internship platform
- 24/7 virtual mock interview platform
- Online resume review service
- One-on-one career advising sessions – Schedule a career advising appointment to discuss topics like resume creation, career trajectories, interviewing techniques, job search strategies and LinkedIn profile reviews.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vg7BEQBoP8Q?showinfo=0&rel=0;controls=1Program graduate, Carrera Mullinax, shares her experience in the program and as a paralegal.
Free Events
Paralegal Career and Program Information Session
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
6:30PM – 7:30PM
ucidce.zoom.usRSVP
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. An associate of applied science degree, or an occupational or vocational degree does not satisfy the educational requirements. If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution where English was not the primary medium of instruction, you must achieve a minimum total TOEFL score of 80 iBT, with a minimum Writing sub-score of 24 and Speaking sub-score of 26.
Nikki Silananda shares her 3-month journey to a paralegal career.
Advance Your Legal Education
Through our articulations agreement with Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, graduates of UCI’s Paralegal Certificate Program graduates are eligible for educational benefits and significant tuition reductions in the following programs:
- Juris Doctor Program (JD)
Receive a 10% tuition discount on Concord Law School at Purdue University Global’s JD Program. - Executive Juris Doctor Program (EJD)
Transfer up to 10 of your UCI Paralegal Certificate courses, for a total of up to 18 credits and save up to $9,000 on tuition or 25%—plus the equivalent of three-quarters of a year of study in this 3-year program.
