If you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy digging into research, a career as a paralegal might be your calling. Paralegals are legal professionals who support attorneys by conducting research, drafting documents, interviewing clients and organizing complex cases. Highly skilled and incredibly versatile, paralegals work across industries, from corporate legal teams to government, from law firms to nonprofits. In this installment of our Career Considerations series, we’ll explore what paralegals do, where the field is headed, and how you can begin your journey toward this dynamic and essential profession.

What Does a Day in the Life of a Paralegal Look Like?

Much like nurses assist doctors, paralegals assist lawyers, only instead of monitoring vitals, they gather and organize evidence, and instead of taking patient histories, they interview clients and witnesses. Their legal work is substantive; in fact, it includes nearly all of the work a lawyer does, with the exception of providing legal advice or appearing in court.

A paralegal’s day varies depending on their work environment. At a small law firm, a paralegal might handle a case from start to finish, from researching precedent to drafting agreements and prepping exhibits for trial. At larger firms, the work is often more specialized, with paralegals focusing on tasks like client discovery or case law research. Outside of law firms, paralegals might be tasked with reviewing legislation that impacts a company’s products or amending contracts to comply with industry regulations. Paralegals can work in insurance companies, real estate firms, banks, hospitals, nonprofits and government agencies — anywhere legal compliance and case preparation are needed.

The role of a paralegal calls for strong research and writing capabilities, project management ability, foundational legal knowledge, solid interpersonal skills and the capacity to be nimble. One moment you might be entrenched in a database, cross-checking records, and the next, you’re guiding a client through an intake interview. No matter the setting, paralegals are the organizational and intellectual engines that drive legal processes.

What Is the Career Outlook for a Paralegal?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 37,000 paralegal job openings are projected each year through 2033. Many of these are expected to replace retirees or career changers, but a growing need for affordable legal services is also fueling new demand.

As of 2024, the median national salary for paralegals was $61,010. In Houston, that number jumps to $63,640, with compensation for top earners stretching beyond six figures, depending on specialization, experience and type of employer.

Common job titles include paralegal and legal assistant, which are sometimes interchangeable, as well as corporate paralegal, litigation paralegal, compliance specialist and case manager.

Paralegals may find success by leaning into specialization. Focusing on a niche practice area like intellectual property, or a specific industry like oil and gas, can open the door for more senior roles as well as project management, supervisory and leadership opportunities within legal departments.

And while AI is reshaping many industries, it’s unlikely to replace paralegals anytime soon. In fact, tech-savvy paralegals who master AI tools for document review, research and case management are likely to become more essential as firms and corporations increase their reliance on generative technology. Accordingly, it is imperative that preparation for a paralegal career includes integrated AI training like that which may be found in the Rice Paralegal Certificate Program.

Do These Skills Transfer to Leadership or Executive Roles?

Absolutely. Paralegals develop high-value, transferable skills including research, writing, critical thinking, communications and project management. Many paralegals move into operations, compliance, legal technology or HR leadership roles over time. And in organizations where high-stakes legal risk and regulation are a daily concern, a paralegal’s expertise is a valuable asset in the boardroom.

The Why: The Social Benefit of Paralegal Work

Paralegals improve access to legal services by making them more affordable. They help attorneys handle larger caseloads, which means more people get the help they need. In many cases, paralegal support is what allows legal aid organizations to function. Their behind-the-scenes work is part of what keeps the justice system moving, especially for underserved and marginalized communities.

Who Is Best Suited for This Career?

The best paralegals are detail-oriented, resourceful and unflappable. They’re the kind of people who like building systems and establishing order from chaos. Paralegals get to dig deep to uncover answers and think creatively to solve problems. If you’re the kind of person who triple-checks everything, thrives on deadlines and can switch gears from client interaction to document review without missing a beat, you might find this career deeply rewarding.

What Is Required to Become a Paralegal?

While the state of Texas does not require licensure, employers typically seek candidates with formal training. Certificate programs teach essential skills in legal research, ethics, writing, litigation, contracts, and more. These programs typically take a few months to two years, depending on your schedule and learning format.

A career as a paralegal also means a commitment to lifelong learning, as continuing legal education (CLE) or continuing professional education (CPE) credits may be required to maintain certification. Even when it’s not mandated, it’s important to keep pace with the legal landscape and keep skills sharp. Paralegals can seek opportunities for ongoing education through employers, university providers and professional organizations.

How Do I Get Started?

Your path begins here. The Rice Paralegal Certificate Program is an immersive five-month learning experience that prepares you to enter the legal field with confidence and credentials. Designed for working professionals, our program blends foundational legal knowledge with the kinds of practical skills that employers seek. Our network of seasoned instructors will guide you through a uniquely interactive curriculum that integrates applied research, real-world case studies and hands-on experience using the latest AI technologies that are shaping the future of legal work.

Still deciding? Our free information sessions offer the chance to meet instructors who can answer questions and share more about what you can expect throughout the program. Visit our website to register, sign up for an upcoming info session and learn more about how Rice can support you as you embark on your journey toward a career as a thriving and sought-after legal professional.