The program is designed to prepare individuals to become paralegal professionals who assist and perform, under the supervision of an attorney, the legal functions traditionally undertaken by an attorney.

Attorneys assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, but they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. While paralegals continue to assume a growing range of tasks and perform many of the same tasks as attorneys, they are prohibited from carrying out duties which are considered to be the practice of law, such as setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and presenting cases in court. Paralegal studies program courses do not transfer or substitute for courses in law schools nor do they qualify a graduate to take a state bar exam.

Under the supervision of an attorney, a graduate of the Program may be expected to perform such duties as:

• Organize information for trial
• Prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases are handled
• Draft legal documents and forms
• Organize and track files of important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys
• Interview and assist clients
• Research legal data and facts of cases and ensure all relevant information is considered
• Identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases
• Help draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court
• Obtain affidavits
• Assist attorneys during trials (judicial and administrative appearances)
• Perform investigative functions
• Manage various law office procedures
• Supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff

Personal and professional qualities and skills essential to the success of a paralegal include:

• Above average oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think logically and organize large amounts of data
• Ability to analyze legal information
• Aptitude for detail-oriented work
• Ability to assume responsibility and work accurately with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle multiple projects and perform complex and routine tasks
• Concern for people and a desire to assist them
• Courtesy and tact in stressful situations
• Observation of ethical standards of the legal profession
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Computer skills

Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, including:

• Law firms
• Corporate legal departments
• Various levels of government and courts
• Various types of business entities

They may work in all areas of the law, including:

The duties of paralegals differ widely based on the type and size of organization in which they are employed. Some specialize in one aspect of law; some work in general practice law offices.

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Paralegals employed by corporations and government usually work a standard 40-hour week. Although most paralegals work full-time, some are temporarily employed during busy times or for special projects, then released when the workload diminishes or the project is completed.

Some paralega's are classified as "support" personnel subject to set hours and overtime pay; others are considered "professional" personnel who work required hours to meet deadlines and are rewarded with year-end bonuses and additional time off.

Paralegal's do most of their work at desks in offices and law libraries. Occasionally, they travel to gather information and perform other duties.

Paralegal's should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegal's to maintain and expand their legal knowledge.

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Private law firms employ the vast majority of paralegals; most of the remainder work for corporate legal departments and the various levels of government. Within the federal government, the Department of Justice is the largest employer, followed by the Departments of Treasury and Defense, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Other employers include state and local governments, publicly funded legal service centers, banks, real estate development companies, and insurance companies. A small number of paralegals own their own businesses and work as freelance paralegals, contracting their services to attorneys or corporate legal departments.

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Earnings of paralegals vary greatly. Salaries depend on education, training, experience, type and size of employer, and the geographic location of the job. In general, paralegals who work for large law firms or in large metropolitan areas earn more than those who work for smaller firms or in less populated regions. In 2001 the median annual earnings of full-time law firm or corporation paralegals in Texas was $42,000. Public sector full-time paralegals in Texas had a median income of $38,000.

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Increasing demand for qualified individuals who are prepared for the paralegal profession has occurred every year for the last three decades, and this demand will continue into the future. Paralegals are projected to rank among the fastest growing occupations in the economy through 2008, as they increasingly perform many legal tasks formerly carried out by attorneys. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics )

Employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services. Small and medium-sized establishments also are employing growing numbers of paralegals.

Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but an emerging array of other organizations include:

• Corporate legal departments,
• Insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and
• Banks

These organizations are expected to grow as an increasing population requires additional legal services, especially in areas such as:

• Intellectual property law
• Health care law
• International law
• Sexual harassment law
• Environmental law

Job opportunities for paralegals will expand in the public sector as well, such as in:

• Community legal service programs, which provide assistance to the poor, aged, minorities, and middle-income families
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Consumer organizations
• Courts

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Entry-level paralegals handle many routine assignments. As they gain experience, paralegals usually assume more varied tasks with additional responsibility. Advancement opportunities include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department.

Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certificate from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants, for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination, given three times each year at several regional testing centers. Those who pass this examination may use the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP). In addition, the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, established in 1996 and administered through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, offers professional recognition to paralegals with an associate's or bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience. Those who pass this examination may use the designation Registered Paralegal (RP). The Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which offers "board certification" for attorneys in Texas, now allows paralegals to take "board certifying exams" in six areas - civil trial law, criminal law, estate planning law, family law, personal injury trial law, and real estate law.

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