What is a paralegal ?
Paralegals work in the legal profession and are an important part of the legal team. Although paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public (except as permitted by law) they do help attorneys conduct interviews and investigations, research cases, draft legal documents, assist at real estate closings, depositions, trials and much more!
Paralegals serve as assistants to attorneys and perform many tasks under the supervision and direction of attorneys. Paralegals are needed wherever one finds attorneys. They work in law offices, the Prosecutor's office, corporate legal departments, the courts, and in governmental agenices.
What are the employment and salary opportunities for a Paralegal?
Paralegal, which traces its origins back a mere 20 years, was recently reported in the Wall Street Journal as the second fastest growing occupation of the decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the Paralegal (also known as legal assisting) field will be one of the fastest growing professions through the year 2010.
UT's paralegal graduates are employed locally by prestigious law firms, the court system, city government, and corporations. Approximately 79% of our graduates are working in the legal profession, with the majority of the remainder continuing their education and not seeking legal employment at this time.
Paralegals locally can earn up to $32,000 upon entering the job market. Locally, experienced legal assistants earn up to $60,000. Statewide, experienced paralegals earn up to $72,000. Regionally, experienced paralegals can earn up to $100,000.
