Laws are pertinent in every place. They are present in the society to protect individuals against crime. But laws are somewhat confusing. For that reason, lawyers are there to apply them when settling disputes. Lawyers may offer legal services to hundreds of clients each year. To help them take care the legal matters for their clients, they hire paralegals or commonly known as legal assistants. This profession is one of the most popular careers for individuals who wish to be in the field of law but do not want to carry the burden of becoming a lawyer.
Some areas of law where paralegals can work:
• Trademark
• Intellectual property
• Family and domestic issues
• Environmental protection
• Civil litigation
• Personal injury
• Estate planning
• Real estate
• Tax
• Corporate
Paralegal salary range
If you are looking for a career path that offers lucrative salary range, then paralegal careers can be your best option. This is especially true if you want to be in the field of law but does not want to carry out duties of a lawyer.
Paralegal salaries may depend on the following factors:
• Education
• Training
• Geographic location
• Experience
• Type of firm and specialty
Just like any other professions, you can earn higher salaries if you have excellent educational background and extensive experience and training in the field of paralegals. In the world of paralegals, those who work in the city earn higher than those who are assigned in less populated areas.
The type of firm and specialty is also a determining factor of how much salary you will be receiving in a year.
• Paralegals in intellectual property and trademark may receive median salaries of $50,000 to $55,000.
• Paralegals working in a hospital may have a median salary of $46,000.
• Paralegals assigned in insurance law may enjoy an annual salary of $50,000.
As you gain more exposure and experience, you will receive higher salaries than the median. For instance, if you are promoted to become a senior litigation, you can make $59,000 a year.
Those who work in the government and non-profit agencies make the lowest median salary.
How to boost your chances of earning higher as a paralegal?
As mentioned earlier, paralegals who earn more are those with higher education and years of experience in the field. For that reason, you might want to take a look at some of the paralegal accredited schools that offer advanced paralegal courses and paralegal training. These factors are indicators that you are truly committed to your chosen career.
Earning advanced paralegal education may take months to a year depending on the chosen specialty.
Can a paralegal become a lawyer?
Many people consider paralegal careers as a way for them to determine whether or not they can survive in the field of law. Some paralegals proceed to practice as a lawyer by enrolling in one of the prestigious law schools in the country. For them, becoming a lawyer has become easier because they already have a background when it comes to the application and implementation of laws.
Paralegals earn a decent salary. Depending on your education, training, experience, geographic location and type of firm, you can earn as low as $30,000 a year or as high as $70,000 per year.