The Basics of a Career as a Paralegal

The kinds of jobs and types of work settings for paralegals are as varied as those for attorneys. As we have mentioned already, law firms, corporations, insurance companies, pension consulting firms, banks, consulting firms, government, courthouses, legal aid societies, and legal corporations are some of the places that an entry-level paralegal might seek employment after his/her formal training. There are also other kinds of employment opportunities for paralegals.

Paralegals are working in large urban areas, small towns, suburban communities, and even from their own homes. When choosing a paralegal training program it is important to consider the type of law practice that you would prefer and to find a program, which will prepare you for such work. There are many points you must consider when looking for a job. You will have to decide on the size of the firm you prefer, the kind of law you are interested in, and what you are qualified to do.

Before applying for a paralegal position, it is best to do some research on the law firm or company in question to familiarize yourself with its background. Then you will have an idea of the kind of law being practiced, which will help you be effective during the job interview. It is also a courtesy to the interviewer.

Private and Public and Nonprofit Sectors

The private sector includes law firms, banks, corporations, and insurance companies. (The fees paid by clients generate the in¬ come of the legal office.) The kinds of law generally practiced in the private sector include corporate; antitrust; civil and criminal litigation; real estate; tax; probate, estates, and trusts; and matrimonial law.

The public sector includes agencies funded by federal, state, and local governments. The public sector agencies work on domestic, environmental, criminal, landlord-tenant, and consumer cases.

There are also nonprofit organizations such as the ACLU which are privately funded. And the Legal Services Corporation which provides federal funds for legal aid programs for the poor nationwide. Some of the major kinds of employers of paralegals, with their work settings, paralegal responsibilities, and job profiles from practicing paralegals will follow.

Law Firms

Law firms are the major employers of paralegals. A survey of the country's 100 largest law firms showed that 94 percent of the firms employed from 4 to 136 paralegals. Some law firms may still have their own paralegal training programs with their own training manuals. This type of training is being phased out since it has proven to be too costly for such firms to hire paralegals without a formal paralegal education. In most cases, a graduate paralegal will still be trained in some specialized legal procedures that his/her employer requires but are not taught in a paralegal program.

From the paralegal’s perspective, large law firms are offices with over sixty attorneys, medium- sized firms have offices from twenty to fifty-nine attorneys, and small firms have offices with fewer than twenty attorneys.

The number of attorneys they employ determines the size of the law firm and type of practice. There are small, medium, and large firms in most major cities throughout the United States. In less densely populated areas of the country, there may be only small law firms and sole practitioners.