Paralegal Career Pathways

The paralegal profession plays a crucial role in the legal field, offering valuable support to attorneys and law firms. Paralegals assist in a variety of tasks, including conducting legal research, drafting and organizing legal documents, and communicating with clients. They may also help prepare case files for trials, assist with investigations, and ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly. Paralegals do not provide legal advice, but they are essential in making sure that attorneys can work efficiently and effectively.

Pursuing a paralegal career offers numerous benefits, including strong job growth, attractive salary potential, and opportunities across various industries. Paralegals can work in a wide range of settings, such as law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or nonprofit organizations, providing ample room for career specialization and advancement.

The demand for paralegals is projected to grow by 1%. This growth is driven by the increasing need for legal services and the cost-effective benefits of hiring paralegals instead of attorneys for certain tasks. The median annual paralegal salary is $60,970 (as of 2023) and may be higher for a senior paralegal or certified paralegal, making it a financially rewarding career with excellent prospects for those entering the field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of earners makes more than $98,830 per year. Joining a paralegal association offers networking opportunities, which may increase job prospects and salary advancements even further.

Generations College is home to Illinois’ oldest two-year Paralegal Studies associate degree program. The program equips students with essential legal skills, including conducting research, document preparation, and case management. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a strong reputation, Generations provides an excellent foundation for a successful paralegal career.

Career Paths for Paralegals

Paralegals can specialize in various legal fields, each with distinct roles and responsibilities:

• Corporate Paralegal — Corporate paralegals generally work in the legal departments for public or privately held corporations or other business entities. Some of the tasks corporate paralegals handle involve mergers and acquisitions, divestments, corporate litigation, board meeting preparation and minutes, and filing reports with government regulators or other agencies.
• Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal — Estate planning law firms generally help individuals, families, and business owners with things such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for health care and finances. Paralegals supporting attorneys in these firms may meet with clients, help draft legal documents, conduct research, and manage client correspondence.
• Family Law Paralegal — Law firms that handle family law cases typically deal with divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and/or parentage matters. Paralegals working for attorneys who practice family law are often called on to handle client communications, research case law, draft and file motions with the court, and other tasks in support of the firm’s clients’ cases.
• Government Paralegal — Various federal government agencies, as well as state and local government offices, rely on qualified paralegals to help support attorneys. Tasks often include transactional matters, helping to draft and maintain policies and procedures, supporting attorneys handling government litigation, and preparing correspondence and reports.
• Immigration Paralegal — Immigration paralegals often get involved in helping attorneys handle cases involving U.S. citizenship, as well as assisting clients in obtaining visas to work and live in the country legally. Paralegals must stay on top of developments in the immigration legal landscape so they can effectively support attorneys’ efforts to serve clients.
• Intellectual Property Paralegal — Intellectual property law refers to copyrights, trademarks, patents, and unfair competition. Paralegals who work in this area may support attorneys in law firms, government agencies, or corporations. Specific responsibilities depend on whether the firm specializes in prosecution or defense, but paralegals in this field can expect to conduct research, gather information, and help their supervising attorneys handle caseloads.
• Litigation Paralegal — Attorneys who handle litigation defense rely on qualified litigation paralegals to support their work. Litigation paralegals help research relevant case law, prepare motions and other legal filings, assemble materials and exhibits for the attorney to use during trials, and help gather and organize evidence and trial-related documents.
• Real Estate Paralegal — Real estate paralegals may work for law firms handling commercial or residential real estate matters, or they may work for title companies. Typical tasks involve helping clients with the purchases or sales of their homes or business properties, preparing lease agreements, and communicating with all parties in real estate transactions.
• Freelance Paralegal — Freelance paralegals enjoy the freedom of working for who they are, when they want, and in the field they want to work in. This can involve short-term contract work for a law firm, a corporation, or a single lawyer who needs help handling legal matters.
• Bankruptcy Paralegal — Having to file for bankruptcy can be a daunting, scary, and an emotional ordeal. Bankruptcy paralegals help clients through the legal process of declaring bankruptcy. Providing direction and helping ease client’s minds as they move through the process. Bankruptcy paralegals are involved in research, preparing bankruptcy documents, and other tasks involved in and around the bankruptcy process.

Workplace diversity for paralegals spans various settings:

• Law Firms: Traditional environment focused on specific legal specialties.
• Corporations: In-house positions handling corporate legal matters.
• Government Agencies: Work in regulatory, administrative, or public service roles.
• Freelance: Offers flexible, independent work options for various clients.

Why Choose Generations College for Your Paralegal Career Path?

A career as a paralegal is a rewarding and stable path for those interested in the legal field. Paralegals play a vital role in law firms, corporations, and government agencies by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and acting as legal assistants to attorneys with case preparation.

Generations College, home to Illinois’ first accredited two-year Paralegal Studies Program since 1973, provides a strong foundation for students pursuing this career. With decades of experience, the program is recognized for its quality education and successful graduates.

Students benefit from top internships across various industries, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their skills and employability. These internships offer real-world exposure to legal work, helping students build connections and confidence.

Generations College ensures high-quality instruction, with courses taught by licensed attorneys who bring firsthand legal expertise into the classroom. Their practical knowledge helps students understand complex legal concepts and prepares them for real-world challenges.

The program offers both online and in-person learning options, allowing students to balance their legal studies with work and personal commitments. This flexibility makes it easier to earn a degree on their terms.

With its rich history, expert faculty, and practical training, Generations College provides the ideal path for launching a successful paralegal career. Many paralegals choose to transition to work as legal secretaries, take the exam to achieve paralegal certification, or continue their education and go to law school. Many stay on as senior paralegals, gaining expertise in their years of experience.

How Generations College Supports Your Career Goals

Generations College is dedicated to student success, providing comprehensive support from education to employment. The college offers career guidance services, helping students craft strong résumés, prepare for interviews, and develop essential networking skills. These resources ensure graduates are confident and prepared to enter the job market.

With a high graduate placement rate, Generations College connects students with top employers in the legal field. Strong partnerships with law firms, corporations, and government agencies provide students with valuable job opportunities. These connections help graduates secure positions that align with their skills and career goals.

Students also benefit from the Center for Academic, Personal, and Professional Excellence (CAPPE), which offers additional academic support, career coaching, and personal development resources. CAPPE ensures students have the tools they need to succeed in their studies and transition smoothly into their careers.

By combining expert career services, employer connections, and personalized support, Generations College prepares students for long-term success as a legal professional. Whether through résumé workshops, mock interviews, or internship placements, the college equips students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a family law paralegal do?
Family law paralegals assist attorneys with cases involving divorce, child custody, adoption, and other family-related legal matters. Their responsibilities include managing case files, drafting court documents, and maintaining client communication to ensure smooth legal proceedings.

How to become a family law paralegal?
To become a family law paralegal, earn a degree in Paralegal Studies, gain hands-on experience through internships, and develop strong interpersonal and organizational skills essential for managing sensitive client matters.

How to become an immigration paralegal?
Aspiring immigration paralegals should pursue a Paralegal Studies degree, study immigration law, and stay updated on evolving regulations. Working under attorneys specializing in visas, citizenship, and residency cases is key to gaining relevant experience.

What does a corporate paralegal do?
Corporate paralegals assist attorneys with legal tasks such as drafting contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting business transactions like mergers and acquisitions.

What is a corporate paralegal?
A corporate paralegal specializes in handling corporate legal matters, ensuring businesses adhere to laws and regulations, maintaining legal documentation, and supporting attorneys in managing corporate operations efficiently.

Take the First Step Toward Your Paralegal Career Path

Start your journey toward a rewarding paralegal career with Generations College. Our Paralegal Studies program, the first accredited two-year program in Illinois, offers a flexible, career-focused education designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer online or in-person classes, you’ll gain the skills needed to excel in the legal field.

Generations College provides hands-on learning opportunities, expert instruction from licensed attorneys, and access to top internships that prepare you for real-world legal work. Our graduates benefit from strong job placement support, connecting them with law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

Paralegals play a crucial role in the legal system, working in corporate law, family law, immigration, real estate, and more. With the right training, you can join this growing field and build a successful career.

Take the first step today! Call Generations College at (312) 922-1884 or contact us online to learn more. When you’re ready, apply online and start working toward an exciting future in the legal profession.