Legal assistants, like paralegals, perform critical tasks for attorneys. Some of the most common occupations you’ll find are paralegals and legal assistants. Now, however, legal assistants are generally considered to be similar in roles to secretaries only. If this sounds appealing to you, then you should consider the career of a paralegal. Paralegals may earn more than legal assistants due to education and hiring standards. Due to this, they do not need a legal education or certification like a paralegal. By exploring the differences, you can determine which of these positions best complements your professional interests. Responsibilities include managing payable/receivable accounts, payroll organization, filing documentation, record keeping, scheduling, taking phone calls, and much more. If you think it is a career path for you, look into paralegal and legal assistant positions. Tasks for “Paralegals and Legal Assistants” Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case. This role is typically an entry-level position and is therefore a stepping stone toward other jobs in law that require additional skills, experience and education. You should understand that both paralegals and legal assistants fulfill roles and responsibilities that, on the surface, can seem very similar but come with key differences. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission - www.hlcommission.org, Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program, Hi, how can I assist you?Questions?Chat Now, MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, RN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMC - Nursing Leadership and Administration, PMC - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Basic. They both share a similar work environment with over 50%3 working at a legal firm or similar setting according to the BLS. This can be achieved in several ways. They fulfill mainly an administrative role where they are not expected to deal with legal specifics but rather the general logistics of a legal operation. Many firms, particularly large-scale ones, employ a variety of professionals to aid attorneys. Conversely, if you already have experience in law and are looking to move further with your career, you will want to look for paralegal postings. Legal secretaries have administrative roles, in which they perform administrative tasks for an attorney, such as scheduling meeting, taking messages from clients, and collecting information from clients. Paralegal Russ Keith. Learn more about Herzing’s paralegal/legal assisting degree pathway. Paralegals do not have to be the end of one’s career path. Both titles do the same work. Let’s compare paralegals and legal assistants to clarify the differences between the two. According to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), legal assistants/paralegals earn an average salary of $55,020 per year ($26.45 per hour). How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant What is a legal assistant? Paralegals and legal assistants typically do the following: Investigate and gather the facts of a case; Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal … A good thing to consider the type of role you would like to fulfill and the type of career options you would like to have. They often prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. A first-hand account of a profession can go a long way. 7666 E. 61st Street, Suite 315 | Tulsa, OK 74133. Opportunities are also available at local, state and federal government facilities or in finance and insurance. Job duties often include conducting legal research, writing correspondence, drafting legal documents, and managing a law … You’ll notice that paralegals can work in specific areas of the law, so this provides you the ability to dive into fields you find most interesting. There are a few specific skills that can help paralegals be successful, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, litigation and legal document composition. If you are looking for a career in law, it is essential to understand the differences between paralegals and legal assistants. Since paralegals are trained, normally with a background education in law and/or a certification in paralegal work, they are given tasks that directly deal with legal matters. Paralegals and legal document assistants, or LDAs, provide law services to attorneys and the general public. If you’re considering a career in law, there are many job options available including multiple opportunities that don’t require you to go to law school. Legal assistants are tasked with administrative and customer service type roles. Some legal assistants will help a variety of lawyers at a firm, while others will be assigned to specific attorneys. So if you are the type of person who wants a more intimate experience with certain stages of the law, then a large firm is for you. Duties. Though they may not be as close to the industry’s legal language, legal assistants manage the environment that ensures attorneys can complete the job in the best manner possible. Strategizes with the attorney and client. For instance, both positions are responsible for helping lawyers prepare for trial and conduct investigations. Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Handles office management tasks in an administrative and customer service role. Day-to-day tasks include answering phones and tracking appointments, as well as looking into case facts, maintaining digital databases for accuracy and preparing legal documents like subpoenas and affidavits. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. Therefore if you are applying for a specific role, you will want to make sure the job description accurately fulfills your needs and that you have the necessary skills required. For example, if you are only just starting out in law, you will want to look for legal assistant positions because entry barriers are lower. On top of that, compensation is higher than average. You are expected to have an education in the field of law. Finally, it is imperative to understand the distinction that comes with being a paralegal. Unlike a paralegal, a legal assistant does not need certification or specific training in law. Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. Still, legal assistants are assigned a lot of tasks. Paralegal and legal assistants are great positions for those interested in a career in law. Nursing vs. Healthcare Administration: What's the Difference? Legal assistants (also called paralegals) help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, closings, and corporate meetings. Paralegal Rebecca Johnson. You will likely be expected to provide word processing and data entry, so you must have the necessary skills to handle relevant software. Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals and legal assistants are found in all types of organizations, but most work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Paralegals cannot practice law; that is to say, they cannot represent a client, nor can they give legal advice. You also have the option to obtain paralegal certification from accredited institutions. However, if you would like more of a general overview of the law, you should look into a smaller firm. A paralegal may be expected to investigate evidence and gather facts, conduct legal research, prepare and file legal documentation such as affidavits, and much more. Home › Our Team › Paralegals & Legal Assistants. Whether you learn and earn your degree online or at one of our campus locations, you can expect the personalized attention and support that Herzing is known for. Earning your degree opens up opportunities for legal work in areas such as bankruptcy, copyrighting, criminal law, labor law, and more. At Herzing, an affordable, career-focused education is within your reach. A paralegal is also known as a legal assistant. Consider if your state’s paralegal association accepts the institution. The legal assistant’s role is focused on office management. Since that time, they have taken on much of the routine work lawyers once did themselves. Paralegals are close to the action with attorneys and clients. The largest employers of paralegals and legal assistants were as follows:Paralegals and legal assistants often work in teams with attorneys, fellow paralegals, and other legal support staff.Paralegals do most of their work in offices. Work with clients on their case without giving legal advice or representation. Search Paralegal/Legal Assistant jobs on Handshake Paralegal and Legal Assistant skills and competencies: On top of a relevant degree and formal training, here are some professional skills that can help aspiring Paralegals and Legal Assistants succeed in their work: However, do not be fooled just because the barriers of entry are lower. Career Related Videos. We offer a variety of financial assistance options so you can make the decision to invest in your future today. Two sought-after positions are paralegal and legal assistants because of their positive employment outlook and earning potential. Students pursuing a career in Criminal Justice Administration have several career options in public and private corrections and law enforcement arenas. It has some of the best job outlooks, which shows its relative stability. Due to the need to fill paralegal and legal assistant positions, firms are starting to offer “hybrid” positions, which combine the duties of both roles and can decrease hiring costs for firms.Â. Like a paralegal, a legal assistant is a great way to start a career in law. Paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual wage of $50,9401, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the highest 10 percent earning more than $82,050. You may find it the perfect fit for your needs or a great stepping stone into a different law career. Paralegals use technology and computer software for managing and organizing the increasing amount of documents and data collected during a case. Many options await for those with paralegal experience. Ready to take the first step to become a paralegal or legal assistant? Herzing University offers several degree pathways in paralegal and legal assisting, including an online paralegal program and on-campus programs in Atlanta and New Orleans. Simone Argy. Paralegals work closely with lawyers, so their tasks are greatly affected by the firm’s size and focus. In either case, distinguishing the differences is crucial to make sure you apply to the appropriate position. Paralegals and Legal Assistants assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. However, with all these responsibilities in mind, paralegals do have a few key distinctions. The average salary for a Paralegal / Legal Assistant is $48,444. Some other specific paralegals include bankruptcy paralegals, criminal law paralegals, and immigration paralegals. Both positions require knowledge of basic law, as well as attention to detail and strong verbal and written communication skills. Most employers require paralegals and legal assistants to have their associate degree, while other employers require a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. They do legal research and draft pleadings, contracts, leases, … On September 30, 1998 former Governor Pete Wilson signed California State Senate Bill SB1761, regulating the legal document preparation profession in the State of California, and creating a new formal title, Legal Document Assistant. Paralegals are for legal support only. Legal assistants, otherwise known as legal secretaries, are the head of administrative tasks at a law firm which is why data entry and experience with Microsoft Office are important proficiencies. Legal Assistant Sandra Cortes. They also prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and … It is not the same position as a “legal secretary,” or someone who helps with administrative tasks such as filing and scheduling. Visit PayScale to research paralegal / legal assistant salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more. This item: NALA Manual for Paralegals and Legal Assistants: A General Skills & Litigation Guide for Today's… by National Association of Legal Assistants Paperback $219.48 Only 1 left in stock - order soon. We’ve made our admissions process as simple as possible to help you take the next step to a brighter future. BLS data highlights the median salary for legal assistants and paralegals … Paralegals and legal assistants work under the direction of lawyers and take on a variety of responsibilities in legal offices. Since entry barriers are a bit lower, if you are in law school or without law experience, then a position as a legal assistant is a great place to start. Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning. In private law offices, a paralegal’s wor… Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. Law … Paralegal and Legal Document Assistant Careers. Some other key points to know are that in some cases, paralegals can bill clients specifically for their time instead of being paid by the firm via a salary or part time wages. Paralegals Paralegals, also known as lawyer’s assistants, typically work directly with a lawyer to help draft legal documents, research laws and gather evidence to use in court. Work with clients on setting up appointments and paying invoices. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. A Day in the Life of a Paralegal. Now, however, legal assistants are generally considered to be similar in roles to secretaries only. May have an educational background in law, but can also have a general background in administration and customer service, with experience such as a receptionist. The term legal assistant can sometimes cause confusion. How To Ace Your Panel Interview: Tips And Examples, Apprenticeship Programs: What They Are And Examples, What Do Employers Look For In A Background Check, How To Write A Cover Letter In 2020 (With Examples), How To Apply To Multiple Jobs At The Same Company, Retail Job Interview Questions and Best Answers, Help You Answer “What Should I Do With My Life?”, How To Set Short And Long Term Goals (With Examples), How To Explain Stay At Home Mom On Your Resume, How To Write a Reference Letter for a Friend (With Examples). In the past, it was used interchangeably for paralegals and legal secretaries. Apply to Paralegal Assistant, Legal Assistant, Entry Level Legal Assistant and more! Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. This can be achieved through most community colleges. Paralegals are lawyers’ assistants, while legal assistants are lawyers’ secretaries. This is especially true for partners in the firm who will get their own legal assistants. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. Depending on the specialty, paralegals will have slightly varied responsibilities. Today, the legal document assistant profession is governed by Business and Professions Code … The Legal Assistant, sometimes called a “paralegal,” provides a variety of invaluable services in private law firms, banks, insurance companies, corporations, governmental agencies, and offices. Occasionally, they may travel to gather information, collect and review documents, accompany attorneys t… The terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" are synonymous terms. They are not expected to focus on how a case will go – instead, their job involves deciding on how the necessary administrative tasks are handled. Paralegal Lisa Schrader. Paralegals do almost everything that attorneys do except appear in court, set legal fees, or give legal advice. Legal assistants provide help in ways that do not necessarily need legal experience. Paralegal Legal Assistant Patricia Campo. The field of law is a great career choice. Paralegals and Legal Assistants - What They Do - Page 2. Law offices are some of the busiest and most complex office operations and will only be looking for the best. According to the NFPA, a four-year education is the hiring standard in many markets for paralegals. Unlike a paralegal, a legal assistant does not need certification or specific … Paralegals and Legal Assistants assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Replacing an earlier definition published in 1986, the American Bar Association (ABA) updated its legal assistant definition to include paralegal … Handles specific legal tasks that require intimate knowledge and application of legal proceedings. Average pay will vary based on the state in which you are employed, the education you’ve earned and level of experience in the field. They’re also responsible for filing appeals with the court or opposing counsel. Earning your bachelor’s degree can set you up to advance your law career later on. However, like many other careers, your chances increase if you can complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. 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