Legal assistant and legal secretary jobs are plentiful and will continue to increase. Paralegal salary is much lower than that of an attorney, which is why a lot of law firms are expanding the role of the paralegal to include much of what used to be done strictly by lawyers. A legal secretary, on the other hand, is more of an administrative assistant, much like other secretaries.

While most paralegal jobs are in law firms, there is a growing industry of freelance paralegals who work as a home based paralegal. Corporate legal departments and government agencies also are adding more and more legal assistant jobs. Most legal assistants get paralegal degrees at a two-year college or they have a bachelor’s degree in something else and get a paralegal certificate. Many companies provide paralegal training.

1. Become a hone based paralegal

2. Use a staffing agency to finding legal assistants jobs

3. Find resources for legal assistants

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work for yourself as an online paralegal

There are a number of different ways that you can start your home-based paralegal business. After completing your paralegal training, you should work for a while at a law office to garner some experience in the field before going out on your own. Contract with solo attorneys who may not be able to hire a full-time paralegal yet. You also could find employment with an established online paralegal service.

I recommend: Moyer Paralegal is an online paralegal service that attorneys can contact to contract with legal assistants on an as-needed basis. Legal Force is an online community of legal professionals who work through and bill through Legal Force. They post the jobs and you find what suits you best at any given time.

Go to an agency with resources for legal assistants

Look for a staffing agency that specializes in placing legal professionals, from attorneys to legal assistants and legal secretary positions. They will have the best contacts and the most resources for legal assistants. You should focus on agencies that find paralegal jobs and legal secretary jobs that are employer-paid.

I recommend: Integrity Staffing handles a lot of paralegal jobs and is nationwide. Robert Half is the largest legal staffing firm in the country, with contacts in the major law firms.

Get connected in the paralegal community

Every industry has its insiders who seem to be at every conference and who have their fingers in every new development and initiative. Whether you want to improve your chances of landing a better paralegal position or you are just getting started in the filed, you should get involved with an industry association or at least stay informed about what is going on in your industry.

I recommend: LAT is the magazine for paralegal professionals that will help keep you in the loop about changes in the industry. They also post a job bank every month. Counsel.net is another great online source for finding jobs, and getting tips and educational opportunities in the paralegal field.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether it's online or with an agency, avoid paying for a job.