Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant: What’s the Difference?
Role Definitions and Work Settings
At first glance, paralegals and legal assistants appear similar. Both support attorneys, prepare documents, and help manage cases, but their scope of responsibility differs.
| Role | Primary Focus | Typical Employer | Independence Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | Substantive legal work: drafting, research, case preparation | Law firms, corporations, government | Works under attorney supervision but performs advanced legal tasks |
| Legal Assistant | Administrative and clerical support | Law offices, agencies, corporate legal departments | Handles scheduling, billing, filing, and correspondence |
Paralegals handle case management and legal research, often drafting motions, contracts, or discovery materials.
Legal assistants focus on coordination, ensuring the office runs smoothly and deadlines are met.
Learn more about Paralegal Careers →
Explore the Legal Assistant Path →
Training and Education Differences
While both roles benefit from legal training, paralegals typically complete more specialized education.
| Education Path | Paralegal | Legal Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Requirement | Certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies | High school diploma or office admin experience |
| Common Programs | Paralegal Studies, Online Paralegal Certificates | Business administration, legal office administration |
| Certifications | NALA (CP), NFPA (PACE), NALS (PP) | NALS (ALP) |
| Duration | 6 months–2 years | 6–12 months or on-the-job training |
Paralegal education emphasizes legal theory, research, and writing, while legal assistant training centers on document management, communication, and office software.
Pay and Outlook
Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook Salary and Job Outlook
Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.
Mean Pay (2024)
Wage Percentiles
Employment Outlook
Employment: 376,200 → 376,800 jobs by 2034 (0.2%)
39,300 projected openings each year
Additional Details
- Share of U.S. Employment
- 0.2%
- Employment per 1,000 Jobs
- 2.38
- Employment RSE
- 1.3%
- Projected Annual Openings
- 39,300
| Metric | Paralegal | Legal Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $61,010 | $54,140 |
| Median hourly wage | $29.33 | $26.03 |
| Employment (BLS sample) | 367,220 | 154,540 |
| Projected growth (2024–2034) | 0.2% | -5.8% |
| Projected annual openings | 39,300 | 19,600 |
Note: BLS reports “Paralegals and Legal Assistants” together under SOC 23-2011. For a clearer admin-support comparison, the Legal Assistant column uses BLS data for “Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants” (SOC 43-6012).
While both roles are growing steadily, paralegals earn more on average due to their specialized knowledge and broader responsibilities.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between paralegal and legal assistant careers depends on your goals and preferred work environment.
- Choose Paralegal if you enjoy research, writing, and substantive legal work. Ideal for those who may consider law school or want direct involvement in case strategy.
- Choose Legal Assistant if you prefer administrative structure, multitasking, and client interaction in a fast-paced office setting.
Some professionals start as legal assistants and later pursue a paralegal certificate or degree for advancement.
Next Steps
If you’re still deciding, start by exploring accredited programs and career pages for more detail:
A clear understanding of each role’s training and scope will help you choose a rewarding career path in the legal field.
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