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Connor
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
1
Question
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Paralegals/Legal Assistants: A day in the life?
I'm a student getting office administration certificates as well as looking to get an associates degree(potentially a bachelors) and intern at legal firms. I'm looking for more insight on what to expect. Thanks for reading!
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1775
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
PARALEGALS
Paralegals typically engage in more substantive legal tasks, which requires a deeper understanding of law and legal procedures. The most challenging aspects of being a paralegal include: managing high-pressure deadlines, juggling multiple complex cases simultaneously, dealing with demanding clients, navigating intricate legal procedures, maintaining accuracy in critical documents, working long hours, and the need to constantly learn and adapt to new legal developments, all while operating under the supervision of attorneys and not being able to provide direct legal advice.
• BECOMING A PARALEGAL — The amount of time it takes to become a paralegal can vary considerably depending on different factors, such as the degree program you complete and whether you become certified. Remember, many employers in the legal field prefer to hire paralegals who have a college degree. Going through an associate degree program to become a paralegal can take a couple of years, or possibly less if you are in an accelerated program. A bachelor’s degree can take about four years to earn. And a more advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in legal studies, can take an additional one to two years.
• PARALEGAL SALARY — The average Legal Assistant salary in the United States is $88,500 as of February, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $80,000 and $98,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Legal assistants primarily provide administrative support, however, in smaller firms, their duties can sometimes overlap with those of paralegals. The greatest challenges for a legal assistant include: managing tight deadlines, handling large volumes of complex documentation with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining confidentiality, navigating complex legal procedures, balancing multiple cases, adapting to evolving legal technologies, and effectively communicating with clients, attorneys, and court personnel; all while often working in a high-pressure environment with unpredictable work hours.
• BECOMING A LEGAL ASSISTANT — Most legal assistants have at least a two-year associate degree, preferably in paralegal studies. Many employers, however, seek candidates with bachelor's degrees in legal or paralegal studies. These programs give candidates a thorough background in areas such as legal writing and the different types of law. If your institution doesn't offer legal studies degrees, a degree in nearly any subject can still provide you with valuable skills and education.
• LEGAL ASSISTANT SALARY — The average Legal Assistant salary in the United States is $70,000 as of February, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $62,500 and $78,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Paralegals typically engage in more substantive legal tasks, which requires a deeper understanding of law and legal procedures. The most challenging aspects of being a paralegal include: managing high-pressure deadlines, juggling multiple complex cases simultaneously, dealing with demanding clients, navigating intricate legal procedures, maintaining accuracy in critical documents, working long hours, and the need to constantly learn and adapt to new legal developments, all while operating under the supervision of attorneys and not being able to provide direct legal advice.
• BECOMING A PARALEGAL — The amount of time it takes to become a paralegal can vary considerably depending on different factors, such as the degree program you complete and whether you become certified. Remember, many employers in the legal field prefer to hire paralegals who have a college degree. Going through an associate degree program to become a paralegal can take a couple of years, or possibly less if you are in an accelerated program. A bachelor’s degree can take about four years to earn. And a more advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in legal studies, can take an additional one to two years.
• PARALEGAL SALARY — The average Legal Assistant salary in the United States is $88,500 as of February, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $80,000 and $98,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Legal assistants primarily provide administrative support, however, in smaller firms, their duties can sometimes overlap with those of paralegals. The greatest challenges for a legal assistant include: managing tight deadlines, handling large volumes of complex documentation with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining confidentiality, navigating complex legal procedures, balancing multiple cases, adapting to evolving legal technologies, and effectively communicating with clients, attorneys, and court personnel; all while often working in a high-pressure environment with unpredictable work hours.
• BECOMING A LEGAL ASSISTANT — Most legal assistants have at least a two-year associate degree, preferably in paralegal studies. Many employers, however, seek candidates with bachelor's degrees in legal or paralegal studies. These programs give candidates a thorough background in areas such as legal writing and the different types of law. If your institution doesn't offer legal studies degrees, a degree in nearly any subject can still provide you with valuable skills and education.
• LEGAL ASSISTANT SALARY — The average Legal Assistant salary in the United States is $70,000 as of February, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $62,500 and $78,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1328
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Connor,
I am gonna sprinkle some fun because come on Connor, legal work doesn’t have to be all stiff suits and coffee-fueled all-nighters (though…there will be some of those).
A Day in the Life of a Paralegal/Legal Assistant—The Fun & The Reality 🤯
You’re Basically a Legal Detective
Sure, you’re not Sherlock Holmes, but as a paralegal, you’ll be digging through contracts, case files, and legal documents like a pro. One missing comma can change the entire meaning of a contract (ask anyone who’s seen the infamous million-dollar "Oxford comma" lawsuit).
A little tip I can say is to go and Develop an eagle eye for detail. Start practicing now by reading anything (news, books, cereal boxes) and spotting typos or inconsistencies.
Remember Attorneys will throw questions at you like:
“Find case law on this topic from 1998 in our jurisdiction.”
“What are the filing deadlines for a motion to dismiss in [insert random court]?”
“Can you pull up that one email I sent three months ago at 2 AM?”
Legal research is an art. If you can master advanced Google searches, legal databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and document organization, you’ll be a wizard in the office.
You’ll Speak Fluent Legalese (And Still Pretend to Understand Some Things). 😏
Ever seen a contract with a 300-word sentence that makes no sense? Welcome to legal work! Your job is often to break that down into normal human language—for clients and sometimes even for lawyers who are too busy to untangle it themselves.
Challenge yourself: Start learning basic legal terms now—things like torts, due diligence, indemnity, affidavit, deposition—so you don’t get blindsided on day one.
The Courtroom Is Like a Legal Circus (And You’re Behind the Scenes) 🥸
Most paralegals don’t argue cases, but you’ll be prepping documents, scheduling hearings, and making sure attorneys don’t show up without their files.
Reality check is If you love organizing chaos, you’ll thrive. If you don’t…well, get ready to develop expert-level multitasking skills.
Oh, You’ll Be an Email Ninja because
Legal work = emails, emails, and more emails.
Need a case update? Email.
Scheduling a deposition? Email.
That one attorney missed a deadline? Another email (and possibly a panicked phone call).
So, Learn email etiquette and develop a system to organize everything. Future you will thank you.
Now for the big:
How to Stand Out as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant.
1. Become a Master of Organization
Law offices are controlled chaos. Develop habits like checklists, digital file organization, and color-coded folders (your future lawyer boss will adore you).
2. Get Tech-Savvy
Legal assistants and paralegals who understand legal software (like Clio, CaseMap, or e-discovery tools) are gold to law firms. Learn them early!
3. Build Your Professional Poker Face
You’ll hear some wild client stories—keep a straight face, no matter how weird it gets. (Trust me, it’ll get weird.)
4. Ask Questions & Keep Learning
The best legal pros never stop learning. Follow legal news, stay updated on court procedure changes, and find a mentor.
My beautiful Words of Wisdom 🤓😌! Uhum,
Legal work can be stressful but rewarding. If you love problem-solving, organization, and making lawyers’ lives easier, this career can be a great fit. Plus, you’ll always have cool legal facts to drop at parties—because who doesn’t love a random fact about contract law?
Now go forth and become a legal rockstar!
All the best Naomi and good luck out there! 🤗
I am gonna sprinkle some fun because come on Connor, legal work doesn’t have to be all stiff suits and coffee-fueled all-nighters (though…there will be some of those).
A Day in the Life of a Paralegal/Legal Assistant—The Fun & The Reality 🤯
You’re Basically a Legal Detective
Sure, you’re not Sherlock Holmes, but as a paralegal, you’ll be digging through contracts, case files, and legal documents like a pro. One missing comma can change the entire meaning of a contract (ask anyone who’s seen the infamous million-dollar "Oxford comma" lawsuit).
A little tip I can say is to go and Develop an eagle eye for detail. Start practicing now by reading anything (news, books, cereal boxes) and spotting typos or inconsistencies.
Remember Attorneys will throw questions at you like:
“Find case law on this topic from 1998 in our jurisdiction.”
“What are the filing deadlines for a motion to dismiss in [insert random court]?”
“Can you pull up that one email I sent three months ago at 2 AM?”
Legal research is an art. If you can master advanced Google searches, legal databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and document organization, you’ll be a wizard in the office.
You’ll Speak Fluent Legalese (And Still Pretend to Understand Some Things). 😏
Ever seen a contract with a 300-word sentence that makes no sense? Welcome to legal work! Your job is often to break that down into normal human language—for clients and sometimes even for lawyers who are too busy to untangle it themselves.
Challenge yourself: Start learning basic legal terms now—things like torts, due diligence, indemnity, affidavit, deposition—so you don’t get blindsided on day one.
The Courtroom Is Like a Legal Circus (And You’re Behind the Scenes) 🥸
Most paralegals don’t argue cases, but you’ll be prepping documents, scheduling hearings, and making sure attorneys don’t show up without their files.
Reality check is If you love organizing chaos, you’ll thrive. If you don’t…well, get ready to develop expert-level multitasking skills.
Oh, You’ll Be an Email Ninja because
Legal work = emails, emails, and more emails.
Need a case update? Email.
Scheduling a deposition? Email.
That one attorney missed a deadline? Another email (and possibly a panicked phone call).
So, Learn email etiquette and develop a system to organize everything. Future you will thank you.
Now for the big:
How to Stand Out as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant.
1. Become a Master of Organization
Law offices are controlled chaos. Develop habits like checklists, digital file organization, and color-coded folders (your future lawyer boss will adore you).
2. Get Tech-Savvy
Legal assistants and paralegals who understand legal software (like Clio, CaseMap, or e-discovery tools) are gold to law firms. Learn them early!
3. Build Your Professional Poker Face
You’ll hear some wild client stories—keep a straight face, no matter how weird it gets. (Trust me, it’ll get weird.)
4. Ask Questions & Keep Learning
The best legal pros never stop learning. Follow legal news, stay updated on court procedure changes, and find a mentor.
My beautiful Words of Wisdom 🤓😌! Uhum,
Legal work can be stressful but rewarding. If you love problem-solving, organization, and making lawyers’ lives easier, this career can be a great fit. Plus, you’ll always have cool legal facts to drop at parties—because who doesn’t love a random fact about contract law?
Now go forth and become a legal rockstar!
All the best Naomi and good luck out there! 🤗
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
day in the life of a paralegal or legal assistant can be dynamic, with a mix of administrative and legal tasks that keep things interesting. For example, you might start your day by organizing case files, scheduling meetings, and preparing documents that lawyers will use in court. This could involve anything from drafting correspondence to researching case law or even summarizing depositions.
On busy days, you'll likely be juggling multiple tasks—filing documents, coordinating with clients, and working with the legal team to ensure everything is on track for deadlines. There's a lot of attention to detail involved, which is crucial because even small errors can have big consequences in legal work.
The role also offers a chance to get hands-on experience with the inner workings of the legal system. Whether you're involved in preparing exhibits for trial or just helping manage the day-to-day operations of a law office, you'll get a well-rounded view of the legal field. It’s a great stepping stone if you’re planning on pursuing further education or even a career in law.
Overall, while the job can be challenging, it’s also very rewarding—especially if you enjoy organization, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment. Good luck with your studies and internships; it sounds like you're on a promising pat
On busy days, you'll likely be juggling multiple tasks—filing documents, coordinating with clients, and working with the legal team to ensure everything is on track for deadlines. There's a lot of attention to detail involved, which is crucial because even small errors can have big consequences in legal work.
The role also offers a chance to get hands-on experience with the inner workings of the legal system. Whether you're involved in preparing exhibits for trial or just helping manage the day-to-day operations of a law office, you'll get a well-rounded view of the legal field. It’s a great stepping stone if you’re planning on pursuing further education or even a career in law.
Overall, while the job can be challenging, it’s also very rewarding—especially if you enjoy organization, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment. Good luck with your studies and internships; it sounds like you're on a promising pat
Loved reading this, thanks!
Connor