Exploring the Paralegal Profession: Roles, Realities, and Rewards

Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia

Thinking about becoming a paralegal or curious about what the profession really involves? This seminar offers a comprehensive introduction to the paralegal field, designed for those who are new to paralegal work or considering a career change. We’ll break down what it means to be a paralegal, including common job titles, core responsibilities, and the professional standards that define the role.

Participants will explore key industry organizations, the types of employers that hire paralegals, and the fee structures and career ladders commonly seen in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. We’ll also cover salary influences, the importance of precision in legal work, and how to maintain a strong and professional presence—both in the workplace and online.

A special focus will be placed on how to successfully transfer skills and experience from other industries into the legal field, making this an ideal session for those coming from customer service, healthcare, education, administration, or other professional backgrounds. We’ll also examine why the field of paralegalism continues to grow, and what makes it a demanding but rewarding career path.

Exploring the Paralegal Profession Worksheet

You will also receive a valuable worksheet to help you reinforce key takeaways from this course. This worksheet will help you reflect on your interest in the paralegal field, recognize the skills you bring to the table and plan actionable next steps for your career transition and development. The worksheet is in Word format so you can easily type your responses right into the worksheet and then share it with a mentor when discussing your next steps.

CLE Hours = 2 Non-Substantive