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Paralegal Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary

A paralegal supports attorneys by handling the work that keeps a case or deal moving: legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and tracking deadlines that can't slip. The role sits close to the law without practicing it; paralegals prepare the ground attorneys argue on.

Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies, and the daily work shifts with the practice area: litigation paralegals live in discovery and filings, corporate paralegals handle contracts and entity records, and family law paralegals deal with court forms and client documents. Most roles want a certificate or degree and comfort with legal software and strict deadlines.

Paralegal job description template

Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.

Template · replace the [brackets]

Paralegal

[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]

About [Company]

[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]

About the role

[Company] is hiring a paralegal to support [practice area, e.g. litigation / corporate / family law] attorneys with research, drafting and case management. You'll keep files organized, deadlines met, and attorneys ready for [filings / closings / hearings].

What you'll do

  • Conduct legal research using [Westlaw / LexisNexis] and summarize findings for attorneys.
  • Draft and proofread pleadings, contracts, correspondence and other legal documents.
  • Organize and maintain case files, exhibits and document production in [case management system].
  • Track filing deadlines, court dates and statutes of limitations.
  • Prepare for depositions, hearings and closings, including exhibit and binder preparation.
  • Communicate with clients, courts and opposing counsel on routine matters.
  • E-file documents with courts and confirm compliance with local rules.
  • Support billing by tracking time and preparing invoices for attorney review.

What you'll bring

  • [X]+ years as a paralegal or equivalent legal experience.
  • Paralegal certificate or degree, or equivalent on-the-job experience.
  • Strong legal research and writing skills.
  • Familiarity with [practice area] procedures and terminology.
  • Proficiency with case management and e-filing systems.
  • Attention to detail and comfort working against firm deadlines.
  • Discretion with confidential client and case information.

Nice to have

  • Notary public commission.
  • Experience with [e-discovery tool, e.g. Relativity].
  • Bilingual in [language] for client-facing work.
  • Prior experience in [specific practice area, e.g. intellectual property or real estate].

What we offer

  • [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
  • [Bar or certification fee reimbursement, continuing education support, hybrid schedule]
  • [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
  • [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]

[Our process: a recruiter screen, a writing or research sample review, an interview with the supervising attorney, and a final conversation with the legal team.]

[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]

Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.

Paralegal duties by seniority

What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.

Junior

  • Handles routine filings, document organization and basic research under supervision.
  • Drafts straightforward correspondence and forms from templates.
  • Learns the firm's case management system and filing procedures.

Mid-level

  • Manages case files independently and drafts more complex documents.
  • Coordinates discovery, depositions or closings with minimal oversight.
  • Takes first pass at legal research memos attorneys refine.

Senior

  • Leads case or deal logistics across multiple attorneys and matters.
  • Trains and reviews work from junior paralegals.
  • Advises attorneys on process and manages client communication on complex matters.

Paralegal career path

  1. Paralegal Assistant
  2. Paralegal
  3. Senior Paralegal
  4. Paralegal Manager or Lawyer

Paralegal is usually entered through a paralegal certificate program or an associate's or bachelor's degree with legal coursework, often after starting as a legal secretary or assistant. Experienced paralegals move into specialized practice areas, firm management, or law school to become attorneys.

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Paralegal job description FAQ

What does a paralegal do?

Supports attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files and tracking deadlines. Paralegals prepare the work attorneys review and sign off on, but they don't give legal advice or represent clients in court.

What skills should a paralegal job description require?

Legal research and writing, familiarity with case management or e-filing systems, attention to detail and knowledge of the relevant practice area's procedures. A paralegal certificate or degree is standard; notary status is a useful extra.

Is paralegal an entry-level job?

Entry-level paralegal roles exist, usually requiring a certificate or degree rather than prior experience. Senior paralegals handle complex matters with little supervision, so state the experience and practice area clearly in the listing.