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.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

1. Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.

2. Prepare affidavits or other documents, maintain document file, and file pleadings with court clerk.

3. Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

4. Investigate facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

5. Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.

6. Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.

7. Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in real estate closing process.

8. Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.

9. Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Paralegals and Legal Assistants. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Paralegals and Legal Assistants, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$39,810 for entry level workers, and $66,010 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Very Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 25,580 Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 29,760  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 420 job(s) each year, and a total of 340 job openings each year.

Legal Specialists and Court Reporters - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Paralegals and legal assistants - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Tax Preparers - Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the background or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant.

Lawyers - Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Law Clerks - Assist lawyers or judges by researching or preparing legal documents. May meet with clients or assist lawyers and judges in court.

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers - Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Court Clerks - Perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court.

Municipal Clerks - Draft agendas and bylaws for town or city council; record minutes of council meetings; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; and prepare reports on civic needs.

Loan Interviewers and Clerks - Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants' backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department. Review loan papers to ensure completeness, and complete transactions between loan establishment, borrowers, and sellers upon approval of loan.

Legal Secretaries - Perform secretarial duties utilizing legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.