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Paralegal

Occupation Information table
Overview: Paralegals investigate & research legal issues in preparing a case for lawyers or law firms. They study recorded legal decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions and legal codes to prepare legal documents such as briefs, appeals, wills, contracts, deeds and trusts.
Duties: They perform library and archive research needed to discover past legal decisions, look up legal codes, treaties and institutions to prepare a legal argument or defense.

They prepare drafts of legal documents such as wills, contracts, deeds, and trusts in accordance with the state laws that regulate such contracts.

They interview clients involved in a legal case to collect and organize the data and information for ease of interpretation by attorneys.

They verify the accuracy of all data and information collected in support of a case or legal instrument. They advise responsible attorneys of gaps or inaccuracies.
Degree(s): A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $34,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: Paralegal training programs, approved by the American Bar Association, are offered in 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges, universities and law schools. Most paralegal training programs are completed in 2 years. Voluntary certification, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants is helpful for advancement. Certification requires passing a 2-day written examination.
Recommended Skills:
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.