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 and Administrative Assistants" (43-6012).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Southeast Balance of State | 250 | 57 | $23.30/hr | $0.70/hr | $14.85/hr | $17.81/hr | $23.28/hr | $28.07/hr | $31.24/hr |
| Minnesota | 5,580 | 407 | $27.88/hr | $0.50/hr | $16.65/hr | $20.04/hr | $26.80/hr | $33.72/hr | $41.01/hr |
| U S | 329,870 | 3,629 | $26.72/hr | $0.13/hr | $15.62/hr | $19.19/hr | $25.13/hr | $31.87/hr | $40.07/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 - | |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 660 | $22.46/hr | N/A |
| Lawyers | 300 | $47.25/hr | N/A |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | 200 | $19.78/hr | N/A |
| Legal Secretaries | 70 | $16.82/hr | N/A |
| Tax Preparers | 50 | $13.18/hr | N/A |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | 20 | $17.20/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.
