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Paralegal Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegal, or Corporate Paralegal, assists lawyers in preparing and organizing various legal documents for upcoming cases and trials. Their main duties include preparing affidavits and correspondence, discussing case details with attorneys and clients and organizing different files for different legal proceedings.

861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegal duties and responsibilities

Text reads: "A day in the life of a paralegal: Drafting legal documents (e.g., contracts, depositions, pleadings), Discussing case details with attorneys & clients, Preparing & filing documents with courts, Conducting legal research"

Outline the role and duties of the Paralegal position in your organization. Provide a clear list of your expectations in terms of what a successful candidate will be required to do. Specify who the position reports to and whether there are any special functions associated with the job. Examples of Paralegal duties and responsibilities include:

  • Summarizing cases and preparing reports for attorneys
  • Conducting research, investigating facts and developing legal arguments
  • Drafting legal documents such as contracts, depositions and pleadings
  • Preparing and filing documents with courts
  • Organizing and archiving the documents related to completed and ongoing cases
  • Keeping track of changes in legal framework and providing timely updates on these changes

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Paralegal Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Job Description Best Practices
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What does a Paralegal do?

861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegals support Attorneys in law firms by gathering, organizing and preparing various documents and files for court cases. They may also regularly meet with attorneys, clients or other legal professionals to gather helpful details about upcoming court cases. Paralegals will prepare other legal documents, like wills, contracts, briefs, appeals and pleadings.

They’ll perform investigations to fact-check information for different cases by searching through public records and other resources provided by clients. Paralegals are also in charge of coordinating deliveries of subpoenas and other important legal documents. During the hearings, they’ll call on witnesses to testify.

Paralegal skills and qualifications

This section should contain the skills and qualifications you envision in a successful candidate. Mention the education and training requirements for your position. Include any specific skills and certifications you are looking for. You may also include personality and attitudinal traits required to excel in the job.

Examples of 861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegal skills and qualifications:

  • Certification or associate’s degree in paralegal studies (bachelor’s degree is preferred)
  • A minimum experience of two years in a paralegal role
  • Investigative mind and strong research skills
  • Working knowledge legal database software
  • Experience in preparing legal reports
  • Excellent communication and time management skills

Paralegal salary expectations

A Paralegal makes an average of $50,550 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Paralegal salary expectations

2025-10-0119000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 65279.67 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 19000.00 - 137000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Paralegal education and training requirements

Most organizations or law firms require Paralegal candidates to have at least a certification or an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. You may also hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field, but an industry-recognized paralegal certificate is desirable. Most of the Paralegal professionals get their training on the job rather than in a classroom setting. You may consider giving additional training to selected candidates in the specific duties your company’s position entails. Some states may require Paralegals to obtain a license or register with the designated authority.

Paralegal experience requirements

861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegals must have excellent understanding of legal procedures and terminology. They should have good communication skills and be well-versed in documentation and reporting. Except for entry-level positions, you may want the successful Paralegal candidate to have a minimum of two to three years of experience. Since a Paralegal’s area of operation is quite broad and can consist of many different areas, you should look for a candidate with some experience related to your specific industry. Additionally, experience in office administration is highly helpful for Paralegal positions.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this 861885357paralegal38.1legal assistant16.48legal6.94paralegal legal assistant2.88legal secretary2.3274343389375519000.0065279.67137000.00YEARLY2631858352025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Paralegal job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Paralegals

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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