Law firms and corporate legal departments rely heavily on skilled non-lawyer professionals to support attorneys and streamline legal processes.
Two of these key roles are paralegals and legal assistants. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them.
What Is the Difference Between Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
While both paralegals and legal assistants work in legal environments, the key difference lies in the complexity and depth of their work. Paralegals typically engage in more substantive legal tasks, which requires a deeper understanding of law and legal procedures. Legal assistants primarily provide administrative support, however, in smaller firms, their duties can sometimes overlap with those of paralegals.
Overview of a Paralegal Role
Paralegals, also known as legal paraprofessionals, typically perform more substantive legal work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Their responsibilities often include:
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Assisting with case management
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Preparing for trials and hearings
Overview of a Legal Assistant Role
Legal assistants generally focus more on administrative and clerical tasks within a legal setting. Their duties may include:
- Managing schedules and calendars
- Filing and organizing documents
- Answering phones and communicating with clients
- Transcribing legal documents
- Assisting with basic legal research
Educational Requirements for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need at least an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, while others may consider those with a high school diploma and relevant experience.
Neither role requires a Juris Doctor (JD) or law-related master’s degree. However, aspiring paralegals may benefit from a certificate from a university-based paralegal program. A paralegal program’s curriculum may cover legal research, legal writing, and legal technologies, in addition to foundational case, statutory, and regulatory laws.
Job Requirements and Outlooks for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegal and legal assistant qualifications have evolved over the years due to a competitive job market — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment is expected to grow 4% each year through 2032.
Both paralegal positions and legal assistant positions also saw a median salary increase of over 8% over the past year (2023 to 2024).
The following were among the most sought-after specialized skills for paralegals and legal assistants in job postings:
- Lawsuits
- Legal Pleadings
- Legal Discovery
- Legal Research
- Legal Depositions
- Legal Hearings
- Proofreading
Source: Lightcast 2024
Unsurprisingly, in a field where even a comma can make a difference in a case, the top common skill that appears across both paralegal and legal assistant job postings is “detail oriented.”
Regardless of your law career path, attaining a combination of education and on-the-job training is often the best way to solidify your career.
Comparison Overview of Paralegals vs. Legal Assistants
| Paralegal | Legal Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Responsibilities | – Conduct legal research – Draft legal documents and pleadings – Assist in case preparation – Interview clients and witnesses – Analyze and summarize documents – Assist during trials |
– Manage schedules and calendars – File and organize documents – Answer phones and client communications – Transcribe legal documents – Perform basic legal research – Provide general administrative support |
| Specialized Expertise | – In-depth knowledge of legal procedures – Proficiency in legal research and writing – Understanding of specific areas of law – Advanced legal software skills – Case management |
– General understanding of legal terminology – Basic legal document preparation – Office management skills – Proficiency in administrative software – Client relations |
| Common Qualifications | – Associate or bachelor’s degree – Paralegal certificate – Voluntary certification (e.g., CP, RP) – Multiple years of professional experience in legal field |
– High school diploma or associate degree – On-the-job training – Optional legal assistant certification – No previous legal experience to a few years of relevant experience |
| Median Salary | $68,877 (entry level) | $63,033 (entry level) |
Source: Salary.com: Salary Wizard, http://swz.salary.com/
Take the Next Step in Your Law Career with Boston University Online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Boston University’s flexible online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program gives students living anywhere access to expert hands-on training from a university renowned for academic excellence. Whether students have prior legal experience or are transitioning into the field, the program’s instructors and curriculum provide learners with distinct benefits and the professional know-how that today’s employers seek.
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