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Definition: Paralegal (Legal Assistant)
"As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, a paralegal is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. NFPA's preferred term is 'Paralegal.' Many NFPA members, however, use the term 'Legal Assistant.'"
"As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, a paralegal is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. NFPA's preferred term is 'Paralegal.' Many NFPA members, however, use the term 'Legal Assistant.'"
-- Source: National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
The paralegal profession is growing at a faster than average pace thanks to an ever-increasing need for law firms and independent attorneys to provide better, faster legal services at competitive prices. Attorneys need paralegals, and they need those paralegals to be formally trained at paralegal schools. With the proper education, paralegals can command competitive salaries and a fair amount of independence on the job.
Paralegal Salaries & Compensation
"The NFPA's 2001 Paralegal Compensation and Benefits Report reveals a high salary of $114,000. The average salary nationwide is $41,742. Of those paralegals just starting their paralegal career, 28% begin with a salary greater than $32,000. In addition to a salary, 65% of paralegals receive an annual bonus, which averages $2,468. Employers of the majority of paralegals provide life and health insurance benefits and pay the paralegal's professional dues."
"The NFPA's 2001 Paralegal Compensation and Benefits Report reveals a high salary of $114,000. The average salary nationwide is $41,742. Of those paralegals just starting their paralegal career, 28% begin with a salary greater than $32,000. In addition to a salary, 65% of paralegals receive an annual bonus, which averages $2,468. Employers of the majority of paralegals provide life and health insurance benefits and pay the paralegal's professional dues."
-- Source: National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
What follows is a cross-section of the best Paralegal Studies programs in the county. Some offer paralegal courses for those seeking entry or re-entry into the field. Others offer certificate programs intended to supplement an existing Liberal Arts or non-law-related degree. Still others offer accelerated, intensive 2-year degrees and comprehensive 4-year programs for those serious about pursuing a career as a paralegal.
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