homepage Home ContactPage Contact sitemap Sitemap
918-587-6828
fax: 918-582-6772  
Search :
banner
About Paralegals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Review this area and the links below to learn more about the paralegal profession and NALA's role in leading the field.

Click here to read about the Paralegal Profession in the
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011


This section sponsored by:

Click to visit the web site of George Washington University


A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. (Adopted by the ABA in 1997) 


What do paralegals do? What are their typical duties and responsibilities across the various specialty practice areas. Check out this article:  Typical Paralegal Duties  published in the 2009 Career Chronicle edition of Facts & Findings!


Facts & Findings for all paralegals!

News & Upcoming Events
Commercial Bankruptcy APC Course Released!

A new Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) course in Commercial Bankruptcy under Chapters 7 and 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is now available to paralegals seeking advanced certification in this specialty practice area. ...

More
CLE Gift for NALA Active Members!

Active members of NALA - new and renewals - are receiving an $80 gift certificate from NALA to apply toward any NALA educational program or Facts & Findings subscription ...

More
New for Certified Paralegals!

Now, Certified Paralegals may access their records of continuing education credits on-line, on a 24/7 basis. In addition, this access also works on smart phones and tablets. Now, information about your progress in accumulating the required 50 hours is at your finger tips!

More
Advanced Paralegal Certification in Criminal Litigation Released!

Several years in development, the Advanced Paralegal Certification board announces the ACP Certification program in Criminal Litigation!

More
Need a product or service for your office?

The NALA Vendor Directory is a terrific place to start. This is a list of legal vendors offering a great range of help including deposition services, document services, and investigations. Click the link below...
More      

 
Click here for more news articles
 
2010 National Utilization/Compensation Survey

Approximately every 2 years since 1986, NALA has conducted a national survey of paralegals. Paralegals invited to participate include members of NALA, non-members, and members of NALA affiliated associations. With over 20 years of reports, this regular "look" at the paralegal profession has produced some interesting and valuable data.

The findings are divided into 4 sections: participant background; employers and paralegal duties and responsibilities; billing rates; and compensation levels.

2010 Participants

The reports are based on analysis of the responses to the 2010 National Utilization and Compensation Survey report which was collected by a web based survey from May 15, 2009-September 15, 2010.  There were 1451 responses received and utilized for this report.  5% of the population are males; 95% are females.  The average age of survey participants is 46.  67% of the participants are members of NALA; 74% have received the Certified Paralegal credential.
 
Respondents are from a diverse geographical area.  Forty-eight states, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia are represented by the population. Among the regions of the United States, the Southeast region was represented by 37% of the respondents; Southwest region was represented by 23%; Far West was represented by 11%; Plains States was represented by 12%; Great Lakes was represented by 5%;  Rocky Mountain states were represented by 8%; and New England/Mid East was represented by 5%  of the respondents.  The average population of the cities represented is approximately 600,000..
 
The respondents have about 20years of legal experience; 9 years with the same employer.  Most (61%) of respondents work for a private law firm, and, of those, 72% work in firms  of 1-15 attorneys; 18% of the respondents work for corporations.  With reference to educational backgrounds, 48% of respondents report a bachelor’s degree; 31% report an associate’s degree as the highest educational degree attained. Of those who completed a formal educational program for paralegals, 33% report completing an associate degree program; 15% report completing an undergraduate certificate program; and 14% report competing a post baccalaureate certificate program.  
The 2010 National Utilization and Compensation Survey presents information concerning the work environment, duties and responsibilities, billing rates and compensation levels of paralegals. Conducted bi-annually since 1986, the survey analysis includes a review of current findings in comparison with findings of previous surveys.  Economic data is presented in terms of such factors as size of city, size of firm, educational backgrounds, years of experience, and specialty area of practice.
 
Please click on any of the following sections for reports of the survey findings.  The files are in pdf format. These reports are lengthy - we appreciate your patience in waiting for the download.