A GUIDE TO FAST TRACKING YOUR PARALEGAL CAREER

Written by Megan Carter, Last Updated: December 18, 2025

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A High-Demand, Highly Stable Field with Lots of Opportunities for Advancement

Interested in becoming a paralegal?

You’re in luck. The profession is experiencing strong job growth and more opportunities than ever before.

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) reported that strong job growth in the field is driven by law firms seeking to lower operating costs while increasing efficiency. Many businesses are expanding their in-house capabilities by relying on paralegals rather than billing out to attorneys, and many more are entrusting their paralegals with greater responsibility by handing over tasks that were once the exclusive domain of lawyers.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average paralegal salary nationwide ($66,510) has increased by 20.9% from 2019 to 2024. The wages for mid-level paralegals, represented by the top 25% of the salary range (starting at $78,280), have increased by 19.3% over the same period. For a complete breakdown of paralegal salaries by state and metropolitan area, including entry-level and experienced salary ranges, explore our comprehensive salary guide.

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Considering the Possibilities: Where a Paralegal Career Could Take You

The paralegal profession is anything but static, constantly growing and evolving to meet the changing needs of corporations, law practices, and consumers.

No matter where the job takes you, people will rely on you to be an expert fact-checker and researcher who brings unparalleled organizational skills and a keen eye for detail to your work. Paralegals are both generalists and specialists who meet employers’ needs by performing a wide array of administrative and legal tasks, while also becoming niche experts in specialized areas of law.

With a well-earned reputation for improving the efficiency, economy, and availability of legal services, paralegals can be found in just about any organization that requires in-house legal services. Many paralegals also work as freelance paralegals or independent contractors, offering their services to multiple clients and enjoying the flexibility of self-employment.

The duties may vary a bit according to organizational structure, work setting, or specialized area of law, but paralegals are virtually always looked at as experts in:

• Maintaining client files
• Drafting correspondence
• Performing research
• Monitoring deadlines
• Drafting documents
• Serving as a liaison between clients and lawyers

If you’re starting out, explore opportunities in entry-level paralegal positions that allow you to build experience while developing these core competencies.

Although private law firms continue to be the number one employer of paralegals, there is no shortage of professional opportunities to be found in both the private and public sectors:

Just a small sampling of the job duties unique to different practice settings and areas of law includes:

Working for law firms retained to serve as bond, special tax, disclosure, or underwriter’s counsel, paralegals in banking and finance law handle duties that include:

• Drafting contracts, leases, deeds, agreements, trust indentures, resolutions, and other documents related to bond insurance
• Preparing and filing governmental filings
• Ensuring documentation meets state or federal tax law requirements
• Drafting legal notices
• Participating in due diligence reviews
• Assisting attorneys in researching, drafting, and revising bond issue agreements

Bankruptcy paralegals may work in law firms that represent the debtor, the creditor, or the trustee:

When representing the debtor, bankruptcy paralegals:

• Conduct detailed client interviews to obtain information and signed documents
• Prepare the petition, related schedules, and statements
• Discuss credit counseling and debtor course requirements with the client
• Analyze debts vs. assets, classify debts, determine lien status and priority of liens, and determine the client’s desire to abandon or redeem assets
• Conduct asset searches and obtain debtors’ credit reports to ensure all assets and liabilities have been disclosed
• Prepare clients for creditor meetings and keep clients informed of hearing, trial, and deposition dates

Paralegals working for creditors in bankruptcy cases:

• Review the creditor client’s promissory note and support documents
• Review debtor’s petition, schedules, and statements
• Attend creditor meetings

Paralegals who work for a trustee in a bankruptcy case:

• Review debtor’s schedules, statement, and disclosures to ensure compliance with the US bankruptcy US
• MaUSin and monitUS compliance with debtor’s filing requirements
• Review and determine the sufficiency of the creditor’s claims
• Review debtor’s reports for compliance with the US bankruptcy US
• PrUSe the file fUS the trustee’s handling of any hearings or objections to the claim, confirmation, valuation, etc.

The job duties of paralegals in corporate law often focus on issues related to the incorporation or formation of an entity, as well as mergers, acquisitions, and dissolutions:

• Drafting agreements, including option agreements, employee benefit plans, shareholder agreements, stock option plans, and employee agreements
• Drafting and filing amendments to articles of incorporation
• Preparing and filing annual reports
• Drafting special minutes for corporate activities
• Keeping track of shareholders and their percentage of stock holdings
• Drafting financial documents for loans, mortgages, financial statements, and deeds of trust
• Drafting documents for board meetings

Paralegals working for criminal defense attorneys or law firms perform a multitude of duties related to pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appeal:

Pretrial:

• Investigation
• Legal research for pretrial motions and trial
• Pretrial motions and discovery responses
• Plea negotiations
• Subpoena preparation
• Attending pretrial conferences with the attorney
• Coordinating the appearance of witnesses at trial

During the trial:

• File motions presented during trial
• Document and organize witness statements
• Manage exhibits and other visual aids
• Assist the attorney when preparing the defendant and witnesses for testimony

Post-trial:

• Prepare for appthe eals process
• Draft post-trial motions and notices of appeal

During the appeal process:

• Draft the required documents and monitor due dates
• Perform legal research related to the appeal
• Assist the attorney in drafting the non-argument portions of the brief

Estate planning paralegals spend much of their time compiling the information needed for the estate plan by:

• Participating in client interviews
• Reviewing the current estate plan to check for problems or outdated information
• Analyzing client assets
• Preparing tax calculations
• Tracing funds related to joint assets or community property
• Drafting documents about wills, trust agreements, and provisions
• Supervising or witnessing the execution of wills and trusts
• Recording asset transfer documents

Paralegal job duties in probate, estates, and trusts focus on overseeing an estate, which includes:

Discovery of information:

• Identifying assets
• Completing the estate administration questionnaire
• Valuing estate assets
• Obtaining a death certificate
• Securing valuable property
• Corresponding with banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and others to collect asset information

Administration:

• Preparing documents related to probate wills
• Preparing interim court pleadings
• Maintaining all estate records
• Monitoring claims
• Assisting attorneys with functions related to tax liabilities and the process of closing the estate

Paralegals in real estate law have a multitude of job duties, depending on the situation. For example, they may work for a firm that represents the client (buyer/seller) or the lender (borrower). They may work in foreclosures, judicial foreclosures, or lease terminations, where they are responsible for:

• Overseeing the preparation of closing documents
• Attending real estate closings
• Coordinating the execution of the contract and escrow
• Following up after closing to ensure all documents have been signed and filed

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Paralegal Degrees: Getting Your Career Started with the Right Education

From getting a foot in the door with an entry-level undergraduate certificate in paralegal studies to being tapped to head the legal department after earning an advanced law degree, every great paralegal owes the start and the advancement of their career to a college education.

No one degree is right for every paralegal in every situation, so it pays to understand your educational options and how they factor into getting your career off the ground or taking it to the next level.

Degree and certificate options include:

• Undergraduate certificates in paralegal studies
• Associate degrees (AS and AAS)
• Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS)
• Post-associate/bachelor’s degree certificates
• Master’s degrees

Paralegal programs are available through:

• Two-year community and junior colleges
• Four-year colleges and universities
• Business and proprietary schools

Paralegal programs that teach to the highest standards are available on campus and online.

Web-based distance learning options are ideal for busy professionals, working parents, or anyone who doesn’t live near a school with a paralegal program that aligns with their career goals. The ability to access an education in paralegal studies is vital to attracting new professionals to the field. Learn more about accredited online paralegal programs that offer the flexibility you need.

Though online programs increase accessibility and offer improved flexibility, some students still prefer the on-campus experience.

There’s good news for aspiring paralegal students looking for programs that meet the highest standards, whether online or on-campus.

Recognizing that the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers the field’s most esteemed professional credentials, along with respected professional development and continuing education programs, many top schools offer paralegal programs that meet NALA’s rigorous standards.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is a voluntary membership organization comprising accredited schools that promotes high educational standards in paralegal studies.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) endorses campus-based and distance education options that include NFPA’s core curriculum recommendations.

The American Bar Association (ABA) recognizes campus-based postsecondary paralegal education programs at all levels and maintains a directory of approved programs, organized alphabetically by state. You can also find paralegal programs by state to compare options in your area.

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Just Getting Started and Don't Already Have a Degree?

If you are just getting started and have no postsecondary education, you’ll focus your attention on an entry-level degree or certificate in paralegal studies:

• Undergraduate Certificates
• Associate Degrees (AA/AS, AAS)
• Bachelor’s Degrees (BA, BS)

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Have a Degree and Looking to Change or Advance Your Current Career?

There’s no shortage of options if you either:

1. a) Already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and want to further your education and advance in your career

Or:

1. b) Already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in an unrelated major and want to change careers to become a paralegal

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Professional Certification: Understanding Your State and National Certification Options

Professional certification is not required to work as a paralegal. Still, in a profession lacking any regulation or state licensure, voluntary professional certification has become a way for paralegals to set themselves apart from their peers and demonstrate their proficiency, competency, and commitment to the profession. And for many employers, certification is a standard job requirement.

Education and experience requirements for certification often vary. However, most require candidates to take and pass a competency examination. Here are your options for voluntary national paralegal certification that involve an exam process:

• National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA):
  • CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential
• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA):
  • Certified Paralegal (CP) credential
• NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals:
  • Professional Paralegal (PP) credential

The American Alliance of Paralegals (AAPI) also offers a credential for paralegals, the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP), based solely on meeting specific education and experience requirements and does not involve passing an exam.

Regardless of which organization you choose to become certified through, maintaining your certification will require regular renewal and meeting specific continuing education requirements. Learn more about the NALA Certified Paralegal credential, one of the most widely recognized certifications in the field.

State Certification Options

Several states, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, have also developed voluntary paralegal certification, offered through the state bar association or local paralegal association.

State-level credentials are viewed much the same way as nationally recognized credentials. It’s not required by law, but in many cases it is required by employers.

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Resume Writing and Interview Performance to Wow Your Future Employer

If you want to land a job as a paralegal, you need to be sure your resume and interviewing skills are as sharp as you are.

Drafting a resume that will get their attention

A strict attention to detail, strong writing skills, and equally impressive communication skills are the attributes of any strong paralegal job candidate.

Remember: A large part of your job will include administrative tasks such as writing and filing legal documents and correspondence, so your resume and cover letter should reflect your ability to perform these tasks.

That means your resume must be clear and concise and void of spelling and grammatical errors. It should also include the following points:

• Career Objective: Your career objective is the introduction to your resume, so it belongs in the cover letter, not on the resume itself. It should be short and to the point, immediately helping a prospective employer understand your professional goals. Keep your career objective to a single sentence and avoid generic statements. Instead, make sure it reflects your specific objective.
• Education: If you just completed your paralegal program and do not yet have experience, this section will be critical. Include information on the degree or certificate you completed, along with any specialized coursework you completed during your program. Don’t forget to include any leadership points of interest, such as membership in student and academic organizations, volunteer activities, community involvement, and academic achievements, such as graduating with honors or making the dean’s list.
• Experience: The experience section should be broken into two sections: 1) Legal Experience, 2) Other Professional Experience. Although experience as a new paralegal will be minimal, make sure to detail professional experience you may have gained in the form of an internship. Internships are a great way to highlight your skills and the pre-professional experience you have had.
• Skills: Are you a whiz with Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word? Do you have experience working with Westlaw or Lexis? Are you proficient in a foreign language? Show a prospective employer that you possess a wide array of skills that will make you a better paralegal. Instead of a dedicated section that includes a lengthy list of skills, provide richer context by showing how you have used those skills in the performance of a job. Do this by listing the skills under the work experience or education sections of the resume to show where and how these skills were acquired and honed.

Robert Half has a great resource on resume formats for paralegals that will help you structure your resume.

They loved your resume. Now it’s time to wow them with your interview skills.

Your interviewing skills need to be as spot-on as your resume, so come prepared to wow your future employer. Here’s what you’ll want to remember:

• Dress the part: Professional attire is a must. The legal field demands a great deal of professionalism, and your attire must reflect this.
• Please do your homework: Learn about your employer: their history, number of employees, areas of practice, etc. Your knowledge of the company where you are seeking employment will impress the interviewer and display your commitment to landing the job.
• Arrive early: Show your dedication to punctuality and time management by getting to your interview on time.
• Listen and answer carefully: Listen carefully to your interviewer’s questions and answer what is asked. Give complete information in a clear voice and be honest. Volunteering more information or rambling on diminishes your professionalism. Similarly, don’t interrupt the interviewer. Allow the interviewer to complete the question before speaking.
• Ask questions: Show the interviewer you are interested in the company by asking questions when prompted. Don’t, however, question the decisions the company has made or bring to light issues that may be controversial or considered pushy.
• Mail a thank-you letter after the interview: After the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and offer a sincere thank you. A day or two later, send a formal thank-you. This personal touch will go a long way and leave a favorable impression that sets you apart from other applicants.

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Building Your Professional Network: From Social Networks to Paralegal Associations

Networking is a great way to become involved in the profession. Having a go-to network of professional contacts and colleagues is valuable for advancing in the profession, making a name for yourself, and staying on top of the latest developments.

There’s no shortage of national professional associations you can join, and most of those have state and local chapters too. They host networking events, workshops, conventions, and seminars, all of which provide plenty of opportunities to dive into the profession and begin building your professional network.

You can start by checking out your state and local associations. NFPA maintains a list of all paralegal associations around the country, organized by state.

You can also get involved in professional organizations at the national level:

• American Alliance of Paralegals Inc.
• American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)
• Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
• International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA)
• NALS – the Association for Legal Professionals
• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

Social media has also become a valuable resource for paralegals, so it pays to maintain a presence on sites like:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Don’t forget to maintain a professional image on social media. That means not posting anything that could be deemed inappropriate, such as your political or religious beliefs, rude comments, sexual jokes, etc. It also means not posting negative thoughts about your job, your employer, co-workers, or colleagues, and not posting any confidential information about your employer or current or past clients.

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Increasing Your Value Over Time with Additional Certification and Continuing Education

Just as the legal field is dynamic and constantly changing, so is the paralegal profession. Continuing education and professional certification are essential for maintaining your skills and upholding your professional reputation.

Advanced National Paralegal Certification

Take your national certification one step further and achieve an advanced designation through:

National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA):

• PACE Registered Paralegal credential (RP)

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA):

• Advanced Paralegal (AP) credential

Both advanced paralegal credentials demonstrate your enhanced level of knowledge, skills, and experience. The AP credential requires completion of a self-study program in a specialized area of law. In contrast, the RP credential requires meeting specific education and experience requirements and passing an exam in advanced paralegal topics.

Legal Research and Writing Certificate Programs

In addition to professional certification, several institutions offer certificate programs in legal research and writing, skills that are at the core of your job as a paralegal.

You can even earn a research certificate for LexisNexis, one of the most widely used databases for legal content and the world’s largest source of legal news, public records, unpublished opinions, and other business forms.

Holding a professional designation in LexisNexis can increase your value to employers and your earning potential. A formal LexisNexis research certificate program takes just a few months to complete, and most are offered entirely online.

These programs prepare you to:

• Use search engines and identify the best Internet service providers
• Locate documents within a library and use print reference sources
• Retrieve legal information through computer databases

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Paralegal Salaries: What You Can Expect in Return for All Your Hard Work

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals earned an average salary of $66,510, or $31.98 per hour, as of May 2024. There’s plenty of room for growth in the paralegal profession, with wages in the field increasing steadily over the course of a career for those who specialize in one or more areas of law, gain valuable experience, and earn some of the industry’s top credentials.

The top 10% in the profession, likely those with extensive experience, particularly in a legal specialty, along with national certification from a big name like NALA, earn significantly more. As of May 2024, these top-paid paralegals earned a starting salary of $98,990, or $47.59 per hour.

Salaries among paralegals also vary widely by where they work. As of May 2024, paralegals in the legal services sector (law firms) earned an average salary of $63,970, while those working in the legal departments of corporations (the management of companies and enterprises sector) gained significantly more, at $90,720 on average.

Paralegal Salaries by Sector

Many paralegals also work in governmental agencies, with those at the federal level earning significantly more than their colleagues at the state and local levels:

• Federal governmental agencies: $81,870
• State governmental agencies: $59,460
• Local governmental agencies: $63,830

Large nonprofits nearly always have their own in-house legal teams. Paralegals in the nonprofit sector (religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations) reported an average salary of $68,430.

High-Paying Industries for Paralegals

Specialized knowledge in a specific area of law usually results in more earning power, while some industries reveal much higher average salaries for paralegals, including:

Top-Paying States and Metropolitan Areas

As expected, paralegal salaries vary widely from state to state and city to city. Also, as expected, paralegals working in large metro areas tend to earn higher salaries. Much of the difference in wages among paralegals can be attributed to cost-of-living differences across the country.

As of May 2024, the top-paying states for paralegals, according to average salary, were:

The top-paying metro areas during this time, according to average salary, included:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Featured Programs:

Sponsored School(s)

Purdue Global

Featured Program: Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration

Request Info

Rasmussen University

Featured Program: Online Paralegal Associate’s and Post-Degree Certificate Programs

Request Info

Pepperdine University

Featured Program: Online Master of Legal Studies Program

Request Info

Arizona State University - Online

Featured Program: Legal Studies, MLS

Request Info

Megan Carter

Megan L. Carter is a senior litigation paralegal with 14 years of experience and holds the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential from NALA.

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