The Need to Knows of a Future Paralegal

Are you interested in a THE NEED-TO-KNOWS OF A career as a paralegal? Now is a good time to FUTURE PARALEGAL educate yourself in this ever-expanding field. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION • Complete a paralegal program at a college to earn an Associate's degree. (2-3 years) COMMON • College degree holders can earn a paralegal studies Certificate. (1-2 years) PATHS TO BECOMING A PARALEGAL • Earn a Bachelor's or Master's degree in paralegal studies. • Complete on-the-job training with an employer. Key Paralegal Courses Include LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING CORPORATE LAW PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP You will learn about the formation, operation, and dissolution of the corporate entity. You will learn the role of the paralegal in performing substantive legal analysis. You will complete a minimum of 130 hours working as a paralegal at an approved internship site, and have the opportunity to earn Westlaw Certification. THE INS AND OUTS OF A PARALEGAL CAREER 71% As laws become more complex, paralegals become more specialized. In fact, 71 percent work for law firms. Where do They Work? 414 COURTS LAW FIRMS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CORPORATE LEGAL DEPARTMENTS WITH FREELANCE LEGAL ASSISTANTS Tasks Help lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Investigate the facts. Prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. Organize and track files of all important case documents. CASE Help draft contracts, mortgages, and separation agreements. Assist in preparing tax returns, establishing trust funds, and planning estates. CAREER OUTLOOK Paralegals and legal assistants projected employment, 2008 to 2018 2008 263,800 2018 337,900 Median Annual Wages in Industries Employing Annual Wages as of May 2010 the Largest Numbers of Paralegals Top 10% Federal executive branch $74,870 $58,540 Top 25% Management of companies and enterprises $59,910 $55,910 Median 50% Insurance carriers $46,680 $52,200 Bottom 25% Employment services $36,230 $50,050 Bottom 10% Legal services $29,460 $44,480 Top Five Highest Paid Areas as of May 2010 3. NEW YORK Employment: 23,350 Annual mean wage: $56,920 4. NEW JERSEY Employment: 6,530 2. CALIFORNIA Annual mean wage: $52,870 Employment: 27,260 Annual mean wage: $59,790 5. ILLINOIS Employment: 9,010 Annual mean wage: $52,700 1. WASHINGTON, DC Employment: 6,350 Annual mean wage: $65,740 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bis.gov/oco/ocosl14.htm (visited January 31, 2012) RASMUSSEN COLLEGE This infographic was created by Column Five for Rasmussen College to promote paralegal careers and the paralegal degree program at Rasmussen College. For information on our graduation rates, median graduate debt level, and other student investment disclosure information, visit www.rasmussen.edu/SID.