Us Dept Of Labor Says Average Paralegal Salary Is Rising

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow 28% between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.  According to the US Department of Labor the average paralegal salary will rise to $44,480 in 2010.  In addition to earning a salary, paralegals also receive vacation, paid sick leave, a savings plan, life insurance, personal paid time off, dental insurance, and reimbursement for continuing legal education.

Although lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. In fact, paralegals—also called legal assistants—are continuing to assume new responsibilities in legal offices.  One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals might investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. If attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of all important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys.

Education and training -  The most common way to begin earning a paralegal salary is to gain basic training and core knowledge in paralegal studies. A quick, affordable and effective method of entry, mainly for those who are looking to change careers or enter the field in a short amount of time, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies from The Center for Legal Studies.  Paralegal certificates can be earned in a little as 6-14 weeks with tuition of only $1,089.

The Center for Legal Studies partners with schools throughout the country offering Paralegal Certificate courses as well as many other legal education classes.  For more information contact CLS at 1-800-522-7737 or visit their website at www.legalstudies.com.

Stephanie Elio

THE CENTER FOR LEGAL STUDIES

Business Development Manager

523 Park Point Drive, #320

Golden, Colorado 80401

1-800-522-7737

www.legalstudies.com

Email: saelio@legalstudies.com