Legal Assistant Job Duties

The following are some of the more important functions for this occupation:

• Helps in generating reports for audits
• Understands the complexity of legal documents
• Supports in managing documents
• Maintains filing systems
• Researches legal documents
• Assists in preparing legal documents
• Aids in investigating cases
• Finds witnesses
• Provides trial assistance
• Drafts contracts, separation agreements, and the like.

In terms of the workplace, you can work in a private law firm, federal government and other organizations. The number of paralegals in a private law firm is lesser compared with those who are working in a government and corporate legal department. In 2009, the largest employer for this occupation was the US Department of Justice.

If you are planning to pursue a career in this field, you will be spending a lot of time in front of a computer. You will also devote significant amount of time researching in a legal library. When you work in a law firm, you will be working in a nice office with well-designed surroundings. However, if you will be hired in a corporate or government institution, you will be working in shared office space or in a cubicle.

In terms of education and training, completing a paralegal degree is the best way to get a job in this field. Paralegal Programs will introduce students to law and the different methods of legal research. As a student, you will be studying a specialized legal area. Specializing in a particular legal area will increase your chances of getting hired as employers prefer applicants to have specialized training. The reason for this is that firms are usually focusing on a specialized field.

The most common paralegal degree when pursuing a career in this area is associate's degree. It is being offered in various private and community colleges. It generally lasts up to two years.

Becoming a paralegal is indeed a lucrative and enjoyable career - if you want to be successful in this career, you should hone your reading skills, time management skills, speaking and writing skills. You should also learn how to give your full attention when talking to people as active listening is also essential in this field. Plus, critical thinking is crucial if you want to succeed in this profession. Good luck in your quest to becoming a paralegal.