What Does a Paralegal Do?
A paralegal provides legal and administrative support to attorneys by conducting research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and assisting in trial preparation. They serve as the backbone of law offices, ensuring that attorneys can focus on client advocacy and courtroom work while administrative and research tasks are completed accurately and on time.
Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Their role varies by practice area, but they typically handle responsibilities such as fact-checking, reviewing discovery materials, and preparing correspondence. While they cannot offer legal advice or represent clients in court, they are essential in maintaining smooth legal operations.
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Paralegal Core Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and summarize findings for attorney review
- Draft contracts, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents
- Organize and maintain physical and digital case files
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation and discovery management
- File legal documents with courts and regulatory bodies
- Communicate with clients, witnesses, and court staff regarding case updates
- Track case deadlines, hearings, and filing requirements
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality and ethical guidelines
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with legal research tools (LexisNexis, Westlaw)
- Strong understanding of legal terminology and court procedures
- Ability to draft and format legal documents accurately
- Familiarity with case management software and Microsoft Office Suite
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Team collaboration and adaptability under pressure
Education
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field
- Some employers accept a degree in another field with a paralegal certificate
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal (CP) – NALA – commonly requested
- Registered Paralegal (RP) – NFPA – recognized credential
- State-specific certifications or licensing where applicable
- Advanced specialty certifications recommended (corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior internship or experience in a law firm or corporate legal department
- Experience with e-discovery platforms and litigation support software
- Background in specialized practice areas such as real estate, family law, or intellectual property
- Bilingual language skills for client communication
National Average Salary
Paralegal salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Paralegal is:
$57,378
Sample Job Description Templates for Paralegals
Entry-Level Paralegal
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level paralegal to provide administrative and legal support to attorneys in a fast-paced environment. In this role, you’ll assist with legal research, draft basic documents, and maintain case files while learning the procedures of the firm. This position is ideal for recent graduates or candidates with a paralegal certificate who are eager to gain hands-on experience.
Responsibilities
- Conduct preliminary legal research using online databases and internal resources
- Draft correspondence, memos, and standard legal forms under attorney supervision
- Maintain and organize case files, discovery documents, and calendars
- File documents with courts and regulatory agencies
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation and case organization
- Manage communication with clients and external parties on routine matters
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of legal terminology and procedures
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and case management software
- Ability to conduct structured research in legal databases
Soft skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Dependable and eager to learn in a team environment
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field
- Paralegal certificate may substitute for degree requirements in some settings
Certifications
- None required at this level
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or clerkship experience in a law firm or legal office
- Exposure to e-filing systems or e-discovery tools
Mid-Level Paralegal
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level paralegal to support attorneys with more complex case preparation, drafting, and client communication. This role requires prior paralegal experience and the ability to manage cases independently under attorney direction.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth legal research and summarize findings for attorney use
- Draft contracts, pleadings, discovery requests, and other legal documents
- Coordinate with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel on case matters
- Manage e-discovery processes and organize trial exhibits
- File motions, briefs, and other documents with state and federal courts
- Track deadlines and ensure case compliance with legal procedures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in legal research platforms such as Westlaw or LexisNexis
- Ability to draft complex legal documents with minimal oversight
- Case management experience across multiple practice areas
Soft skills
- Excellent time management and multitasking skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Clear communication with attorneys, clients, and external partners
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or related field
Certifications
- Certified Paralegal (CP) credential strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm or corporate legal department
- Background in a specialized legal practice (e.g., litigation, corporate, real estate)
Senior Paralegal
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior paralegal to handle advanced casework, oversee junior staff, and provide critical support on high-profile cases. This role requires extensive paralegal experience and the ability to manage large caseloads with minimal attorney supervision.
Responsibilities
- Lead case preparation and coordinate discovery processes
- Draft and review contracts, pleadings, briefs, and other substantive legal documents
- Manage communication with clients, experts, and opposing counsel
- Train and mentor junior paralegals and legal assistants
- Oversee document production, trial exhibits, and courtroom logistics
- Ensure compliance with ethical standards and confidentiality rules
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced legal research and drafting expertise
- Strong knowledge of litigation processes, contracts, and corporate law
- Proficiency with e-discovery and trial preparation software
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship abilities
- Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills
- Ability to manage large caseloads under tight deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field required
Certifications
- CP (Certified Paralegal) or RP (Registered Paralegal) credential preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of paralegal experience in law firm or corporate legal environment
- Trial experience or background in high-stakes legal matters
Lead Paralegal
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead paralegal to supervise case management processes, delegate tasks, and serve as the primary liaison between attorneys and the paralegal team. This role combines advanced legal knowledge with leadership and operational oversight.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily workflow of paralegals and legal assistants
- Assign casework, monitor deadlines, and ensure accuracy of deliverables
- Provide quality control for legal documents before attorney review
- Support attorneys with trial strategy and case presentations
- Mentor and train new paralegal staff
- Coordinate with firm leadership on process improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in legal document drafting and trial preparation
- Strong knowledge of federal and state court filing procedures
- Proficiency with case management and e-discovery platforms
Soft skills
- Leadership and delegation skills
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities
- Strong communication skills across teams and with clients
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field required
Certifications
- CP, RP, or state-specific advanced certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive paralegal experience
- Prior supervisory or lead paralegal role
- Experience implementing process improvements in legal departments
Paralegal Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a paralegal manager to oversee the paralegal department, manage staffing, and ensure operational efficiency across cases and practice areas. This role requires strong legal knowledge, leadership, and the ability to align team output with firm goals.
Responsibilities
- Manage hiring, training, and performance evaluations for paralegals and legal support staff
- Oversee workflows and case assignments across multiple practice areas
- Establish and enforce best practices for case management and documentation
- Collaborate with attorneys and firm leadership to optimize department efficiency
- Develop and monitor team performance metrics
- Support budgeting, resource allocation, and vendor relationships
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of legal processes across multiple practice areas
- Experience managing staff schedules, assignments, and workloads
- Proficiency in legal management and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and interpersonal communication
- Strategic planning and operational management
- Conflict resolution and staff development skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, business, or related field required
Certifications
- CP, RP, or advanced management-focused paralegal certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of paralegal experience with at least 2 years in a management role
- Experience managing large teams in a law firm or corporate legal setting
- Proven success implementing process or technology improvements in legal operations