Paralegals are highly trained and experienced in law and the legal system. Although paralegals are not lawyers, they work under the close supervision of lawyers, and assist them in the delivery of legal services to the public.

For those trained as paralegals, many opportunities exist for employment in traditional private law firms, federal, state governmental agencies, law departments of corporations, banks, insurance companies and other businesses, such as title companies, mortgage companies, law libraries, law office managers, legal service/legal aid offices, legal clinics, law offices handling criminal defense or prosecution work, and law departments of special interest groups or associations.

The earnings for paralegals vary greatly. Salaries depend on education, training, experience, the type and size of employer and geographic location of the job. $30,000-$45,000 per year with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Employment of paralegals is expected to grow much faster than average—ranking among the fastest growing occupations in the economy through the year 2006.

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