Occupation AtlasParalegals and Legal Assistants
O*NET · 23-2011.00
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
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.
Also called Certified Paralegal · Contract Preparer · Contracts Specialist · Corporate Legal Assistant · Corporate Paralegal · Document Processor · Estate Planning Paralegal · Family Law Paralegal
18 more
Immigration Paralegal · Intellectual Property Paralegal · Law Associate · Legal Aide · Legal Analyst · Legal Assistant · Legal Clerk · Legal Processing Assistant · Litigation Legal Assistant · Litigation Paralegal · Paralegal · Paralegal Assistant · Paralegal Specialist · Personal Injury Paralegal · Principal Law Clerk · Real Estate Paralegal · Summer Associate · Trademark Paralegal
Compare with another occupationCompare with Correspondence Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CIEConventional · Investigative · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.28
- I Investigative5.04
- E Enterprising3.92
- S Social3.12
- A Artistic2.24
- R Realistic1.74
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (32%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- SciencebasicImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
6 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.Importance 4.4
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.Importance 4.3
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.Importance 4.1
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.Importance 4.0
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.Importance 3.9
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.Importance 3.9
Show the other 6
- File pleadings with court clerks.Importance 3.9
- Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.Importance 3.3
- Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.Importance 3.0
- Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.Importance 3.0
- Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.Importance 2.9
- Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.Importance 2.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Law and GovernmentImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 2.8
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.3Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.1Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- PsychologyImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
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- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
Show all 41
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.6
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
97 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (7)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- Orion Law Management Systems Orion
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
Hot (8; 5 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Docs
- Google Workspace software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Zoom
Other tools (82)
- a la mode WinTOTAL
- AbacusNext HotDocs
- American LegalNet USCourtForms
- Appligent Citation FDFMerge
- Blumbeg Drafting Libraries
- Bowne JFS Litigator's Notebook
- Bridgeway eCounsel
- Case analysis software
- CaseSoft DepPrep
- CaseSoft TextMap
- CaseSoft TimeMap
- Computer access catalog software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks
- Database software
- Dataflight Opticon
- Digital contract software
- Document management system software
- Dropbox
- dtSearch
- Electronic discovery software
- Electronic transcription management software
- Fastcase legal software
- FindForms
- FindLaw Code of Federal Regulations CFR
- Fund Software ATIDS
- Google Drive
- IBM Notes
- iManage document management software
- Inmagic DB/TextWorks
- IntelliPDF CURVES
- Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
- LawManager
- Legal document software
- LexisNexis
- LexisNexis Applied Discovery
- LexisNexis CaseMap
- LexisNexis CheckCite
- LexisNexis CodeMaster
- LexisNexis Company Analyzer
- LexisNexis Concordance
- LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles
- LexisNexis File and Serve
- LexisNexis SmartLinx
- LexisNexis Time Matters
- LexisNexis Total Search
- Litigation support software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft SharePoint Server
- MicroStrategy
- NetDocuments
- Nuance Power PDF
- OmniRIM Records Management Suite
- Online database search and retrieval software
- Online public records search software
- Online title search and property report software
- Optical character recognition OCR software
- Ovid SilverPlatter WebSPIRS
- PDF Snake Easy Bates
- Practice management software PMS
- ProForce Paralegal Pro-Pack
- Records management software
- Relational database software
- Relativity e-Discovery
- Saga Practice Manager
- Software Technology PracticeMaster
- Summation Blaze
- Sure Will Writer
- Tax software
- The Sackett Group MacPac for Legal
- THOMAS Global Register
- Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS
- Thomson Reuters LiveNote Stream
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge
- Thomson West FindLaw
- Thomson West ProLaw
- TrialWorks
- Tumbleweed SecureTransport
- Uniscribe
- Web browser software
- Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals
- Zylab ZyImage
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Management of Material Resources +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.6, Management of Material Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +1.0, Negotiation −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Writers and Authors
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +1.0, Time Management +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Writing −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.8, Speaking +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.3, Writing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.1, Writing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.