Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Skills

• Writing

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Written Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Bachelor's degree
  37 %
• Associate's degree
  20 %
• High school diploma or equivalent
  19 %

  or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Working with Computers

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities

• Maintain the order of legal documents.
• Prepare legal documents.
• Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
• Confer with court staff to clarify information.
• Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.

Work Interests

• Conventional

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.