In the ‘70s, paralegals are no more than just glorified secretaries in law firms are. The society only saw them as employees that answer phone calls on behalf of real attorneys and arrange client consultations. Everybody only expected them to make coffee and print documents—extra pair of hands in the office, one might say.
But those days were gone. Clients have grown more demanding over the years, thus changing the way legal services are delivered. Now, paralegals are finally getting the overdue respect they deserve; experts even expect the profession to further grow in the next six years.
And if you’re interested in pursuing a non-lawyer career in the legal industry, here are some of the reasons you should hold your head up high as a paralegal:
Increasing Responsibilities
Unlike in the decades ago, the current duties of a paralegal have grown in numbers and importance. This occupation requires a high level of competency because it’s certainly intellectually challenging. A good paralegal is both a master of basic administrative tasks and an excellent problem-solver. The most successful ones are true experts in their specialization, always at the forefront of trends and new legislations, and the driving force behind innovations.
Ballooning Paychecks
21st-century paralegals are well compensated; that’s one reason respected paralegal schools online are registering more and more enrollees by the year. The salary is somewhere around modest to medium pay grade, but you could make more money through bonuses and overtime hours.
Expanding Opportunities
Paralegals do not stay paralegals for life; they assume managerial roles in independent firms, law offices, and corporations. If you are dedicated enough to prove your mettle to be entrusted with a higher position, career advancements are within reach, according to The Center For Legal Studies.
Being a paralegal in this age means working as a valued member of the legal team. With the right program, you can get the necessary education and preparation for today’s ever-evolving paralegal work.
