John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Paralegal Certificate Program
What is a paralegal?
paralegal (noun)
a person with specialized training who assists lawyers.
This is a common definition for the term "paralegal." It is provided by the American Heritage Dictionary. And it is demonstrative of the problem that has always faced the profession: no one seems to really know what a paralegal is! Look again at the definition: "a person with specialized training who assists lawyers."
The problem is that the above definition could apply just as easily to a secretary, runner, or other positions. It therefore does a poor job of defining the profession. So, it's time for a better definition.
paralegal (noun)
A person who, usually working under the authority of an attorney, works on behalf of a client, and who in the course of this advocacy may create legal documents, investigate relevant facts, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and perform any other tasks an attorney may perform, except that a paralegal may not give legal advice or represent in a court of law on behalf of another.
The fact that paralegals are able to perform such an incredible variety of tasks, and are trained in such advanced skills as legal research and writing, may be a surprise to you. It is a surprise to many. But it is not a surprise to most lawyers.
Lawyers today know that paralegals can be a great asset.
The outlook for the profession ...
For many years the paralegal profession has ranked among the fastest growing of all professions. In addition, surveys have established that the salaries for paralegals are increasing at an impressive rate. These trends shows no sign of abating, as indicated by the following statement by the Department of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor:
Paralegals are projected to rank among the fastest growing occupations in the economy through 2008. However, stiff competition for jobs should continue as the number of graduates of paralegal training programs and others seeking to enter the profession outpaces job growth. Employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services. The majority of job openings for paralegals in the future will be new jobs created by rapid employment growth; other job openings will arise as people leave the occupation.
Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing array of other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks will also continue to hire paralegals. These organizations are expected to grow as an increasing population requires additional legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, health care, international, elder, sexual harassment, and environmental law.
The growth of prepaid legal plans should also contribute to the demand for legal services. Paralegal employment in these organizations is expected to increase as paralegals are assigned a growing range of tasks and are increasingly employed in small and medium-sized establishments.
Job opportunities for paralegals will expand in the public sector as well. Community legal service programs, which provide assistance to the poor, aged, minorities, and middle-income families, will employ additional paralegals to minimize expenses and serve the most people. Federal, State, and local government agencies, consumer organizations, and the courts should also continue to hire paralegals in increasing numbers.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statisitics
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