Work

• Paralegals are generalists who handle routine tasks, especially when starting out. They are often assigned more complex and varied jobs as they gain more experience. Most work as standard 40-hour week, but may have long hours in the evening and weekends during busy periods or when important court cases approach. Their median salary is $46,980 yearly, with a range of $29,800 to $75,700. This breaks down to $22.58 per hour, with a range of $14.32 to $36.39. This is as of May 2009 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  
  

Training

• The least time-consuming method of paralegal training for new students is with an associate degree from a community college. Programs do not need accreditation from the American Bar Association, though having this credential can improve employability and salaries. A four-year paralegal degree starts with a foundation of liberal arts courses, such as English, math and social sciences, before adding training specific to the profession. For those who already have a college degree, a paralegal certificate can provide entry into the profession.
  
  

Certification

• Neither employers nor states require certification or licensing for paralegals. However, voluntary credentialing from an organization like the National Association of Legal Assistants can increase job prospects. Passing the two-day exam grants a Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal designation. Certification can increase opportunities for advancement. They may become managers in law firms or supervisors in corporate legal departments who can delegate tasks to junior paralegals or clerks.
  
  

Employers

• The biggest employers of paralegals are legal services, such as attorney's offices, where they work with clients of the service. They comprise 72 percent of the available 246,810 positions and pay $23.30 per hour or $48,460 per year. The highest paying employers are petroleum and coal products manufacturers, where they handle the legal business of their own organizations. Pay there is at $39.02 per hour or $81,150 per year. However, with only 40 positions, this sector is difficult to break into.