Paralegal Studies

by Chris E. Wittstruck, J.D.

Whether things are going well or badly in the economy, there always seems to be plenty of legal work to go around — often more work than lawyers can handle on their own. More and more, attorneys rely on the services of highly trained and skilled paralegals and legal assistants.

According to the 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent in the ten years leading up to 2016 — a much greater increase than predicted for most other careers. In 2006 paralegals and legal assistants held about 238,000 jobs. Private law firms employed seven out of 10 paralegals and legal assistants; most of the remainder worked for corporate legal departments and government agencies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2006 full-time paralegals and legal assistants nationally had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $43,040, with higher earnings in the New York metropolitan area. Moreover, the top 10 percent earned an annual salary of more than $65,000.

With the exceptions of appearing in court and rendering legal advice, paralegals and legal assistants carry out various legal services delegated and supervised by a licensed attorney. These “lawyers’ helpers” are found at the closing tables of major mortgage lenders, research libraries and client interview rooms of law firms, and in just about every government office at the local, state and federal levels.

The paralegal is taught to think as a lawyer thinks – ascertaining fact from fiction, assessing the importance and relevance of information, and applying that information in the best interests of the attorney and client.

While a paralegal does not require professional licensure, a paralegal training program prepares the student with the knowledge and skills to become an integral part of a legal team. The curriculum for a paralegal certificate can often be completed in as little as six months. Evening and weekend course offerings are typical, and internships are often available during matriculation.

Paralegals come from every walk of life. Some choose the paralegal career path during or after college; others train as paralegals as a precursor to law school admission. Many new retirees – including nurses, teachers, uniformed service members and business and labor professionals – embrace the paralegal profession as a second career.

New Hyde Park attorney Chris E. Wittstruck coordinates Hofstra’s Paralegal Studies Program. Mr. Wittstruck is a private practitioner, concentrating in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation, as well as racing and gaming law.