DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
23-2011 Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Occupational Description:
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. Excludes “Legal Secretaries” (43-6012).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| EDR 7W- Central | 150 | 31 | $20.64/hr | $1.00/hr | $13.40/hr | $16.31/hr | $21.06/hr | $23.95/hr | $27.97/hr |
| Minnesota | 4,100 | 332 | $25.60/hr | $0.74/hr | $15.50/hr | $19.55/hr | $24.75/hr | $30.87/hr | $37.29/hr |
| U S | 252,250 | 3,532 | $24.54/hr | $0.12/hr | $14.44/hr | $17.80/hr | $22.96/hr | $29.46/hr | $37.04/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | 350 | $16.62/hr | N/A |
| Lawyers | 230 | $40.36/hr | N/A |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 140 | $18.95/hr | N/A |
| Legal Secretaries | 100 | $19.60/hr | N/A |
| Tax Preparers | 80 | $22.54/hr | N/A |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | N/A | $20.10/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Prepares legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigates facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Appraises and inventories real and personal property for estate planning.
- Calls upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
- Arbitrates disputes between parties and assists in real estate closing process.
- Presents arguments and evidence to support appeal at appeal hearing.
- Keeps and monitors legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
- Directs and coordinates law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Answers questions regarding legal issues pertaining to civil service hearings.
- Prepares affidavits or other documents, maintains document file, and files pleadings with court clerk.
- Gathers and analyzes research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.