Average Paralegal Salary Is Higher Than Ever

Many people believe the best time to take advantage of a career change is when the economy is weak

. It's easy to see which industries might be a bit more stable when times are tough, and we all want to make more money for doing fulfilling work. Did you know the average paralegal salary is between 34 and 60 thousand dollars per year? That's just what the middle 50% made in 2008 according to statistics published by the US Department of Labor.

Some make well above the average paralegal salary upwards of 70 thousand a year, and though some four year and two year degree programs exist for students in college interested in paralegal training or pre-law, many vocational schools, smaller programs or online colleges can get you prepped for paralegal certifications and a first internship or entry level job in just 3 months time. Even most vocational schools with a classroom environment will only last 3-9 months.

On top of that, the paralegal field is a thriving industry. The US Department of Labor expects a growth of 28% between the years 2010 and 2018; so earning the average paralegal salary isn't as difficult as you might think.

Earning the Average Paralegal Salary

You can earn the average paralegal salary in just about any facet of law. Virtually every law office will employ the use of paralegals as legal assistants to their staff of lawyers. With the exception of giving clients legal advice and proceeding in court, paralegals perform every duty that lawyers do, from researching cases and databases to drafting contracts and filing legal documents associated with cases.

After earning the average paralegal salary, it's not uncommon for paralegals to bounce to different law firms requiring more skill, experience or specialization. Some can actually save for law school themselves and transition their careers into lawyers.

Paralegals can work in private practices, as roughly 70 percent do according to US Department of Labor stats, but also in corporations assisting corporate lawyers or in certain government offices. Obtaining certifications that help set you apart and even managing other paralegals in large law firms that employ many at a time can ultimately earn you higher than the average paralegal salary.

Paralegal Training, Schooling and Certification

There are over 200,000 jobs currently as paralegals and the industry is always thriving. Though you may think college students with an associates or bachelor's degree may have the edge in job competition, the best way to break into a paralegal career is usually the shortest.

By taking a certification program and seeking an internship in a specialized area of law that interests you, you'll receive very localized training that will be great experience in helping you land your first paying position. Since areas of law are so specific, many jobs provide most training on the job. Plus only about 15,000 paralegals are certified with governing bodies, and certifications only take about 50 hors of coursework to set you apart from the rest of the workforce. Earning the average paralegal salary or higher may be a lot easier than you might think.

by: Susan Bean

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