Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.85
Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.83
Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.77
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.74
Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.73
Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.72
File pleadings with court clerks.72
Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.58
Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.50
Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.50
Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.48
Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.42

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Manage attorneys' calendars and schedule meetings.—
Request, review, and summarize relevant records for the cases.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking66
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies31
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Analysis13
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources0
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources0
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis0
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government95
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language86
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative79
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics73
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service66
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management58
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics40
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting39
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Education and Training39
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security32
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications32
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

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Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Medicine and Dentistry29
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Psychology26
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing25
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Biology21
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography18
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Transportation18
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Production and Processing17
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology15
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
History and Archeology14
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling13
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology7
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry5
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design5
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Physics5
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mechanical4
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Building and Construction3
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production3
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Problem Sensitivity63
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning56
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity22
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength22
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness13
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Depth Perception0
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information85
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers85
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization84
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge77
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work75
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing Data or Information71
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Performing Administrative Activities71
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Processing Information65
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events63
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards61
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others56
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems56
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings54
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities54
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public52
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others45
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others45
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Thinking Creatively43
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Assisting and Caring for Others39
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies35
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others33
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People32
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information30
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Coaching and Developing Others28
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Training and Teaching Others26
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates24
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Handling and Moving Objects24
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials24
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Selling or Influencing Others22
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources20
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Controlling Machines and Processes18
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment10
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment8
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities6
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Staffing Organizational Units6
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment0
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity81
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Intellectual Curiosity64
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cooperation63
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance60
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation59
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Stress Tolerance54
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control50
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Initiative44
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence37
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Sincerity33
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Adaptability32
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Social Orientation30
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Empathy28
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Innovation21
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity19
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility18
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism13
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Leadership Orientation1
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional71
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative67
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising49
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social35
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic21
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic12
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day97%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important79%
- Very important21%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually80%
- More than half the time17%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day75%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day73%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
Contact With Others
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
Time Pressure
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day54%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom47%
- Some freedom35%
- Limited freedom16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important62%
- Very important11%
- Important17%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom42%
- Limited freedom18%

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Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day62%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never16%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results38%
- Important results16%
- Moderate results44%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important49%
- Very important16%
- Important21%
- Not important at all14%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually55%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time17%
- Never14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important48%
- Important35%
- Not important at all11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important31%
- Very important21%
- Important16%
- Not important at all29%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours37%
- 40 hours37%
- Less than 40 hours26%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious22%
- Very serious14%
- Serious13%
- Not serious at all14%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually43%
- Less than half the time16%
- Never42%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)16%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)37%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)41%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive38%
- Slightly competitive16%
- Not at all competitive35%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility19%
- Moderate responsibility25%
- Limited responsibility40%
- No responsibility11%
Conflict Situations
- Never23%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a year or more but not every month73%
- Never18%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- No responsibility68%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Never64%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time65%
- Never32%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never70%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated30%
- Not at all automated63%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time38%
- Never62%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never85%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never86%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never84%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time27%
- Never73%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never81%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never84%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time15%
- Never85%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all94%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)94%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never98%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never97%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never98%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never98%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never98%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never97%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never98%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft SharePoint Server, Summation Blaze
Word processing software
Google Docs, Legal document software, Microsoft Word, The Sackett Group MacPac for Legal
Information retrieval or search software
LawManager, LexisNexis, Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS, Thomson Reuters Westlaw
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Relational database software, TrialWorks
Analytical or scientific software
a la mode WinTOTAL, Litigation support software, Uniscribe, Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals
Desktop publishing software
Digital contract software, Microsoft Publisher, ProForce Paralegal Pro-Pack, Sure Will Writer
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Google Workspace software, Microsoft Office software
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Tax software
Customer relationship management CRM software
Software Technology PracticeMaster, Thomson West ProLaw
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Dropbox, Google Drive
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Pattern design software
CaseSoft TimeMap
Categorization or classification software
Bowne JFS Litigator's Notebook
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Optical character recognition OCR software
Video conferencing software
Zoom
Video creation and editing software
Thomson Reuters LiveNote Stream
File versioning software
Zylab ZyImage
Transaction server software
Tumbleweed SecureTransport
Business intelligence and data analysis software
MicroStrategy
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Library software
Computer access catalog software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Maintain the order of legal documents.
Prepare legal documents.
Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Confer with court staff to clarify information.
Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
Serve court ordered documents.
Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.

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Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.
Appraise property values.
Evaluate condition of properties.
Inventory materials or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Paralegal (Alternate Title: Paralegal Specialist)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology