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Paralegal
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
$73,658 / year median in Illinois
-5% projected decline
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Prepare, revise, and finalize legal documents such as pleadings, motions, affidavits, subpoenas, and related case materials.
- Maintain organized case files, monitor key dates, and coordinate calendars to help ensure deadlines are met across active matters.
- Support billing processes by reviewing time entries, assisting with invoicing, and helping track client account activity.
- Use legal research platforms and case management systems to locate information, update records, and monitor matter progress.
- Assist with electronic discovery tasks and submit filings through court e-filing systems in a timely and accurate manner.
- Draft clear correspondence and help manage communications with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and third parties.
- Partner with attorneys on litigation support activities, including trial preparation and document organization for hearings and proceedings.