Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

The role of Paralegal is a support role. It is the ideal for someone who wants to be involved in the legal sector, but does not want to become a barrister, a lawyer or a solicitor.

Paralegals are involved in an enormous amount of legal work and can work in public and private sectors or in a law firm.

The duties of a Paralegal include taking witness statements, presenting applications to judges, helping lawyers prepare for court cases and interviewing clients.

• Performing research for solicitors.
• Preparing legal documents.
• General office tasks such as filing and word processing.

As you gain more experience, your day-to-day tasks might include:

• Taking statements from witnesses.
• Providing clients with quotes.
• Attending court.
• Giving clients legal information.
• Helping solicitors to prepare for their court cases; this might involve assisting them with opening & closing arguments or helping with motions or court pleas.
• Giving applications to judges.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organise and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
• Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
• Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organising exhibits.
• 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.
• Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
• File pleadings with court clerk.
• Gather and analyse research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
• Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
• Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

A paralegal needs a good standard of general education, together with a good understanding of the law and the legal system.

There are no specific formal qualifications required for the. Entrants may have legal secretarial training combined with additional education in relvat areas i.e. the law, and legal principles. 

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & Office Admin, Legal Secretary, SUpervisory & Project management at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Law, Business - Legal, Legal Administration, Legal Secretary,Legal Studies and Criminal Law, Financial & Legal Services - Advanced at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Financial Services, Lean Sigma Manager Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Law, Legal Studies, Law and Criminology, Arts law, Criminal Justice, Business with Law NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €72k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Brightwater / Morgan Mckinley/ Lincoln/ Indeed/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have declined annually since 2020 for this occupation, resulting in a negative growth rate for the five-year annual average. There were a small number of employment permits issued for legal counsel across a number of sectors including ICT and the financial sector. However, the professional, scientific and technical activities sector accounts for the majority of employment in this occupation.

• Law Society of Ireland

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