Laura Smith’s Job Information Form

Common Job Title(s): Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Legal Investigator, Patent Agent

Major Job Duties: Assist lawyers via research, document and case preparation. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding. Handle legal correspondence, maintain organization of documents in an established paper or electronic system. Prepare briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, etc. Contact witnesses, meet with clients. Investigate facts and law of cases and conduct background research. Direct and coordinate law office activity. File pleadings. Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, legal articles. Ensure law library is up-to-date.

Required Education and/or Certification(s): Training in vocational school, related on the job experience, or an associate’s degree. Usually need one or two years of training.

Required Professional Experience: One or two years of experience; might have a formal apprenticeship structure

Other Qualifications (special computer skills, languages, etc.): Fluency with computers, hardware and software.

Position this Job Reports to: Lawyer, Partner in a Law Firm, Other Manager

Hours: Full-time

Location: Everywhere

Salary: $46, 120

Job and/or Industry Outlook: 22.24% growth projected between 2006-2016

Other Information:

Questions to ask a worker in this field:

What access technology would be required for work in this field?

What are your hours usually like?

Is there a lot of variety in what you do from day to day?

Is your firm large or small?

How did you get your job?

What sort of preparation did you have?

What are your goals for the future?