Paralegal

Work Directly With the Law
Research, Draft & Organize
Build a Legal Career
Undergraduate
Graduate
No degrees available
Post-Graduate
No degrees available
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Career Reality
Job Market Demand
Employment is projected to remain relatively stable through 2035, with about 40,800 openings each year from replacement and workforce turnover.
Work Environment
Most paralegals work full time in professional office settings, often supporting attorneys and legal teams.
Common Employers
Law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, financial institutions, nonprofits, and insurance companies.
Career Advancement
Experienced paralegals may move into senior paralegal, legal operations, compliance, management, or specialized legal support roles.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What does a paralegal do?
A paralegal supports attorneys by conducting research, organizing case materials, preparing documents, maintaining files, and assisting with legal matters.
What does a typical day look like?
A day may include researching laws, reviewing documents, drafting correspondence, preparing filings, organizing evidence, communicating with clients, and supporting attorneys.
Where do paralegals work?
Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, financial institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations with legal needs.
What areas can paralegals specialize in?
Specialties include litigation, corporate law, real estate, immigration, family law, estate planning, compliance, bankruptcy, and intellectual property.
Who is this career a good fit for?
It suits people who are organized, detail-oriented, strong readers and writers, comfortable with research, and interested in law and legal problem-solving.
What skills are especially important?
Legal research, writing, organization, attention to detail, communication, document management, critical thinking, and confidentiality are essential.
What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Paralegals play a meaningful role in legal work while building specialized expertise without needing to become an attorney.
What does long-term growth look like?
Professionals may advance into senior paralegal, legal operations, compliance, supervisory, or specialized legal support positions.
Do you need a degree to become a paralegal?
Requirements vary. Paralegals typically enter with an associate degree or paralegal credential, while some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Which Sara Schenirer degree is a good fit?
Sara Schenirer’s Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies is the direct match. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for paralegal, compliance, and other legal careers.















