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Paralegals and legal assistants play an essential role in the legal system. Although not allowed to advise clients or present information in court, these professionals can perform most other law office tasks from drafting contracts to conducting investigations. Most paralegals and legal assistants work in law offices, corporate legal departments or the government. In addition, they may specialize in a specific area of the law such as litigation, bankruptcy or family law. To be effective, these legal professionals must have good research, organization and communication skills.

What were paralegals and legal assistants 2011 salary averages?

According to Salary.com, which surveys employers to compile salary data, median salaries for paralegals and legal assistants range from $46,792 for new employees to $71,624 for those with extensive experience.

On Glassdoor.com, visitors to the site can voluntarily leave their salary information. According to Glassdoor, the median paralegals and legal assistants 2011 salary was $45,000 nationwide. However, senior paralegals visiting the site have reported median salaries as high as $78,333 with some individuals making six figures.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the government agency responsible for tracking employment and salary data in the United States. According to its figures, in 2010, paralegals and legal assistants had median salaries of $46,680. However, salaries can vary significantly from state to state.

The District of Columbia, California and New York had the highest annual mean wages for paralegals and legal assistants in the nation. With annual mean wages of $65,740, the District of Columbia may appear to be a good place to start a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. However, the district has one of the highest costs of living in the nation. Instead, potential students may want to consider a career in one of these metropolitan areas offering above average incomes and a lower cost of living:

• Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill. ($53,740)
• Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas ($53,380)
• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. ($49,510)

Can you find paralegals and legal assistants training online?

Yes, there are several options available for those wishing to enter this profession, including online training. Paralegals and legal assistants schools generally offer associate degrees in paralegal studies. Some colleges may also offer bachelor's and master's degrees. For those who already have a degree, certificates in paralegal studies are available. However, according to the BLS, an associate degree is the most common education for those entering the field.

There are more than 1,000 paralegals and legal assistants schools offer formal education programs in paralegal studies. Of these, the BLS says 260 are approved by the American Bar Association. Busy adults can find paralegals and legal assistants training online through several schools. These programs may offer a similar curriculum as campus-based programs but provide the flexibility to schedule class and study times around family and job obligations.

Are jobs for paralegals and legal assistants expected to grow?

The BLS reports employment for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow much faster than average. From 2008-2018, positions for these professionals are expected to increase 28 percent. However, the bureau cautions that many individuals are interested in entering this career, and job prospects will be best for those who have completed a formal paralegal studies program.