Paralegals and Legal Assistants

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Career Profile

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

What they do

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Also Called: Immigration Paralegal, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk, Legal Processing Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk, Legal Processing Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$38,730
Starting Salary (2025)
$63,220
Median Salary (2025)
0.2%
Projected Job Growth
8,320
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Initiative
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning

Expected Knowledge

Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

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. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Associate's degree 50%
  • Bachelor's degree 34%
  • Post-secondary certificate 7%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 5%
  • High school diploma 3%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.