FAQ About Paralegals

Paralegals perform legal work under the supervision of a lawyer.  Paralegals …sometimes called Legal Assistants…work in law firms, government agencies, business corporations…any where that a lawyer may need assistance. A paralegal’s duties vary widely; you may find yourself in a library researching legal precedent, in an office meeting with the president of a corporation, or at the courthouse recording legal documents. You may be helping to prepare for a criminal trial or calling clients to set up their real estate closing.  Paralegals, however, may not give legal advice, represent a client in court, or set the fees charged by a lawyer.

You can read more about the work that paralegals do at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.  Go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos114.htm

There are several ways to become a paralegal, including through on the job training in a law office.  But more often, lawyers want to hire a person who has had courses in paralegal studies from an accredited school, such as Middlesex Community College.  

Our paralegal program includes courses that will prepare you to work in the field upon graduation.  We also offer internship opportunities, through the local courts and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, to help you gain work experience.  Middlesex Community College offers all of its required paralegal courses at the Lowell campus during the day, and also at the Bedford campus during the day and again in the evening.  You can choose to take all day classes, all evening classes, or any combination of the two.

Paralegal Studies, Associate in Science Paralegal Studies, Certificate

How much can I expect to earn?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the paralegal job market is expected to "grow much faster than the average" for all occupations through 2014.  What you can expect to earn depends on your education, experience, geographic location, and the type and size of your employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “…in general, paralegals who work for large law firms or in large metropolitan areas earn more than those who work for smaller firms or in less populated regions. In addition to earning a salary, many paralegals receive bonuses. In May 2004, full-time wage and salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $39,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,040 and $49,950. The top 10 percent earned more than $61,390, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,360. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of paralegals in May 2004[1] were as follows:

Federal government	$59,370
Legal services	$38,260
Local government	$37,870
State government	$34,910

According to http://www.salary.com/[2], an entry level paralegal with an Associate’s degree and 0-2 years experience can expect to earn $42,623 in Lowell and $46,705 in Boston.  To see some current legal job advertisements and salaries, visit http://www.lawyersweeklyjobs.com/