Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
BLS SOC 23-2011 · O*NET-SOC 23-2011.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$62,890
Projected change, 2025–2035
-0.3%
2025–2035 annual average openings
40,800
AI exposure
High
Editorial analysis
The legal paper chase is becoming searchable
Paralegals and legal assistants often work where law meets enormous volumes of documents. AI can classify records, summarize correspondence, extract dates and names, compare contract language, assemble timelines, draft routine communications, and help search discovery materials. These capabilities reach directly into work that has traditionally required substantial manual review.
That does create automation pressure, particularly for repetitive document processing. But it can also let experienced paralegals work at a higher level.
Knowing the file becomes more important than moving the file
A strong paralegal understands what the attorney is trying to prove, which deadline cannot slip, which document is unexpectedly important, and how local procedures actually work. AI can help surface information, but experienced legal support professionals provide context and quality control.
- Large document collections can be organized and summarized much faster.
- Routine forms and correspondence can begin from automated drafts.
- Citation and factual verification become important safeguards.
- Complex litigation support, case management, client interaction, and procedural expertise remain valuable.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 404,900 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 403,800 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- -1,100 jobs (-0.3%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: High. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · High
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- 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.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Document management software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Desktop publishing software
- Categorization or classification software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Pattern design software
- Library software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.