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List of Careers

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Description

Assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

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Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

Gathers and analyzes research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Prepares legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Investigates facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
Appraises and inventories real and personal property for estate planning.
Calls upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
Arbitrates disputes between parties and assists in real estate closing process.
Presents arguments and evidence to support appeal at appeal hearing.
Keeps and monitors legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
Directs and coordinates law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
Answers questions regarding legal issues pertaining to civil-service hearings.
Prepares affidavits or other documents, maintains document file, and files pleadings with court clerk.

National Average Salary

$39,220.00/year

Average Salary in Maryland

$36,710.00/year

Important Abilities

   1. Written Comprehension
   2. Written Expression
   3. Oral Comprehension
   4. Oral Expression
   5. Deductive Reasoning

General Work Activities

   1. Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
   2. Communicating With Other Workers
   3. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
   4. Analyzing Data or Information
   5. Evaluating Information Against Standards

Important Skills

   1. Information Gathering
   2. Reading Comprehension
   3. Critical Thinking
   4. Writing
   5. Speaking

Frequent Work Context

   1. Consequence of Error
   2. Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
   3. Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
   4. Indoors
   5. Job-Required Social Interaction

Related Careers

Related Majors

No Related Major Found

MarylandMentor Institutions Offering Related Majors

No Institution Found

The majors and institutions listed here are based on the current information in our database. Please be aware this information may be subject to change. We strongly encourage you to consult with your career counselor.

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