What do paralegals do? 

A paralegal conducts important legal work under the supervision of a lawyer, usually in a law firm, legal department, or government agency. They often handle tasks similar to those of lawyers, but they cannot practice law independently, provide legal advice, or represent clients in court. Common responsibilities include drafting documents, conducting legal research, managing cases, preparing for trials, scheduling, and interacting with clients. Specific duties may vary depending on the type of legal field. 

What does a typical day look like in this job? 

On a typical day, paralegals may check emails, prioritize the day’s agenda, review new case files, and update existing cases with new information. They often conduct legal research and assist lawyers with court and client preparation. Paralegals are also responsible for scheduling appointments, filing documents, and maintaining databases. Daily tasks can vary widely depending on the area of law in which a paralegal works. 

What skills or abilities are important for this job? 

Having excellent technical and organizational skills is crucial for success within the paralegal profession since much of the profession requires the completion of administrative tasks. These tasks require a careful eye for detail, adaptability to sudden changes, and the ability to communicate with empathy. Further, paralegals must maintain a moral code of ethics at all times and use their legal knowledge to analyze, conduct research, and think critically. 

What kind of education, certification, or training is required? 

Typically, paralegals are required to have an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field along with a paralegal studies certificate are also eligible for paralegal positions. Additional certification, such as Legal Paraprofessional (LP), can be helpful but is not mandatory within Arizona. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree, and many also favor applicants who completed programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).   

What is the most challenging part about this job? 

One of the most challenging parts of being a paralegal is the time commitment. Pressured by tight deadlines and high-stakes cases, paralegals may work long hours and give up holidays or weekends to compensate. This demanding schedule can lead to high stress and emotional strain, increasing the risk of burnout and making it more difficult to manage heavy workloads and adapt to sudden changes. 

What is the average salary in Arizona? 

To see how much paralegals get paid in Arizona, visit the Arizona page on ParalegalEdu.