March 17, 2023

Paralegals play key roles in many busy law firms and corporate legal departments. Paralegals support attorneys in a variety of ways, from researching and organizing complex information to coordinating filings and preparing exhibits for use in court proceedings. While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this career just as it impacted so many others, the paralegal job outlook remains strong, with estimated growth of 14% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The paralegal career can be challenging, but it can also be tremendously rewarding — both personally and professionally. By applying their knowledge and skills to the tasks assigned by their supervising attorneys, talented paralegals can add value to their employing law firm, corporation, or government agency and, ultimately, improve the client experience.

To succeed in this growing field, it is critical to understand the ethical rules for paralegals and avoid potential pitfalls. Ignorance of the rules is generally not a valid excuse for violating them, and a failure to uphold ethical standards can have long-lasting career implications. By educating yourself about paralegal ethics, you can enter the workforce with more confidence.