Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Paralegal- from: Youtube Search
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.
Working Life
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.
Qualities - Paralegal
- The ability to read and process large amounts of information.
- Exceptional organisation skills.
- The capacity to work well under pressure.
- Patience and tact are required because you will be handling sensitive and confidential data.
- A high level of attention to detail.
- Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
- Problem solving and negotiation skills.
Interests - Paralegal
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.
Entry / Progression - Paralegal
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. Entrants may have legal secretarial training combined with additional education in relevant areas i.e. the law, and legal principles.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, legal, secretary, supervisory, project management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: law, business, legal, administration, secretary, criminal law, financial, services.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Accounting, Financial Services, Lean Sigma Manager Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: law, legal studies, criminology, arts law, criminal justice, business with Law.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Paralegal
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
Labour Market Updates - Paralegal
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Barristers; judges; Solicitors; Legal professionals n.e.c.
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.
