By Lanee’ Blunt
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| Advantages of being a paralegal-- Image by Celalteber. |
A paralegal profession offers a lot of
advantages as a successful career. They help lawyers prepare for hearings and trials
but their specific duties vary depending on the size of the firm that they are
working for. It is great for someone that is interested in law but may not want
to become a lawyer.
Paralegal employment is expected to grow by
18 percent from 2010 to 2020, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Following cutbacks that were made in the recent recession some law firms are
hiring paralegals to do tasks that were once done by lawyers. They work with lawyers to gather documents
for important transactions, hearings and depositions, take statements which
must be done in person.
Another benefit of being a paralegal is
that you have the opportunity to work in a variety of different legal areas.
You don't necessarily have to work for a law firm you can work for the
government, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate, and
title agencies.
Top earning paralegals make more than $70,000
a year due to bonuses and overtime pay. According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The median annual wage of paralegals was
$46,680 in May 2010.” Paralegals that work for busy law firms may work very
long hours and overtime.
Most paralegals receive other benefits such
as medical insurance, dental and life insurance, reimbursement for continued
legal education, a 401(k) savings, vacation, paid sick leave, and personal time
off.
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