When a person is on the right side of the law, a court room is an exciting place. Judges, attorneys, defendants and bailiffs--it's a world in and of itself. Many players set the stage in a court room, and paralegals are quickly becoming a common part of the scene.
Paralegals began as support staff for private-practice attorneys. These professionals soon established their place in the legal world and are now employed by the court systems themselves. As the job market grows and laws change, paralegals are expected to assume more and more responsibility in the courts.
The Paralegal Job
Paralegals, often called legal assistants, primarily serve as support staff for attorneys. Depending on the size of the firm, paralegals may perform basic tasks, such as filling out court forms and greeting new clients. Experienced and/or educated paralegals research cases and compose legal writings that attorneys consider when presenting their cases. Paralegals are the organizers of the documents, evidence and all aspects of the case.
Paralegals in Court
Because the attorney maintains the ultimate responsibility of representing the client, a paralegal is never allowed to dispense legal advice, establish the attorney/client relationship or represent the client in court. So, where does the paralegal fit into the court environment? The answer is either beside the attorney or behind the scenes as a court employee.
In Indiana, for example, the City of Indianapolis and Marion County court systems employ at least 37 paralegals. Their job descriptions include such tasks as assisting public defenders with investigations, preparing court documents and organizing witnesses. In large court systems, paralegals are a daily presence in the court room.
Education
The paralegal field is quickly becoming a competitive market that is expecting above average growth. As such, employers seek (and get) applicants with both experience and education. The educational world responds to that need by offering certificate programs as well as associate and bachelor degrees in Paralegal Studies.
Paralegal degrees usually involve general education and introductory legal courses. Students may also choose courses of specific concentration, such as litigation, criminal law and contract law.
Compensation
The paralegal field is broad, with court systems, private corporations and public service entities joining law firms as prospective employers. State court systems, however, represent the low end of the pay scale. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Government and private firms/companies top the pay scale. The annual median income in 2006 was about $43,000 with $27,000 representing the low end and $67,000 at the top.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for paralegals is projected to rise above average throughout the 21st century. In addition, governments are expected to expand the legal job description for paralegals, allowing them to do more tasks in the court system. Although paralegals earn a decent wage, it is less than most attorneys and the courts will capitalize on this fact.
Tags: court systems, court room, above average, paralegal field, quickly becoming