The career paths of a Legal Assistant and Paralegal: What’s the difference?

  • Legal Assistant
  • March 12, 2024
  • 1.1k views
  • 6 min read
The career paths

When you’re thinking of a career in the legal field, it’s important to understand the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal. Although there are many similarities, there are some distinct differences that you should know about before making your decision.

In this article, we will take a look at the two careers and outline what you can expect from each one. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the legal industry, then read on!

What is a legal assistant?

A legal assistant is a professional who provides support to lawyers and paralegals. They are responsible for tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments and maintaining files. Legal assistants may also be responsible for conducting research or preparing documents for court proceedings.

What are the responsibilities of a legal assistant?

Some of the more common responsibilities of a legal assistant include:

  • Answering phones
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Maintaining files
  • Conducting research
  • Preparing documents for court proceedings.

How do you become a legal assistant?

Most legal assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some may have completed some college coursework. There are no formal education requirements to become a legal assistant, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed a Legal Assistant program from an accredited school.

If you’re interested in becoming a legal assistant, then you should consider taking some courses at a local community college or online. Many community colleges offer Legal Assistant programs that can be completed in a few months.

Why you should choose NCC to train as a legal assistant?

Here at NCC, we offer a comprehensive  Legal Assistant program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. We also offer job placement assistance, so you can find a job as a legal assistant after you graduate.

Our campus in Las Vegas is centrally located and convenient for students who live in the area. We also offer online courses, so you can take our program from anywhere in the world.

If you’re interested in becoming a legal assistant, then contact us today to learn more about our program. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions!

What is a paralegal?

A paralegal is a professional who provides support to lawyers and assists with the research and preparation of legal documents. Paralegals may also be responsible for conducting interviews, drafting pleadings, or assisting with trial preparation.

What are the responsibilities of a paralegal?

The responsibilities of a paralegal will vary depending on the type of law firm they work for, but generally, they provide support to lawyers and assist with the research and preparation of legal documents. Some of the more common responsibilities of a paralegal include:

  • Conducting interviews
  • Drafting pleadings
  • Assisting with trial preparation
  • Researching legal issues
  • Preparing legal documents

How do you become a paralegal?

To become a paralegal, you will need to complete a Paralegal Studies program from an accredited school. Many paralegals also have a bachelor’s degree, although it is not required. Once you have completed your education, you will need to pass the National Certification Examination for Paralegals to earn your certification.

Why you should choose NCC to train as a paralegal?

NCC offers a comprehensive  Paralegal Studies program that will prepare you for a successful career in the legal field. Our program is approved by the American Bar Association and our faculty members are experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.

We also offer convenient online courses so you can complete your studies on your own schedule.

If you’re interested in a career as a legal assistant or paralegal, contact NCC today to learn more about our programs. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on the path to a rewarding career!

How to choose between paralegal and legal assistant as a career?

Choosing between paralegal and legal assistant as a career is a difficult decision, and one that will have a large impact on your future. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

The type of law you want to practice. If you’re interested in working in a specific area of law, you’ll need to choose a career path that will allow you to specialize in that area.

The type of work you want to do. Legal assistants and paralegals have different job duties. If you’re interested in doing more hands-on work, a career as a legal assistant may be a better fit for you.

The amount of responsibility you’re willing to take on. Legal assistants and paralegals have different levels of responsibility. If you’re interested in taking on more responsibility, a career as a paralegal may be a better fit for you.

The amount of education you’re willing to complete. Legal assistants and paralegals have different educational requirements. If you’re interested in completing more education, a career as a paralegal may be a better fit for you.

The type of work you’re interested in. Legal assistants and paralegals have different types of work. If you’re interested in doing more research-based work, a career as a paralegal may be a better fit for you.

If you’re still not sure which career path is right for you, consider talking to a career counselor or taking a career aptitude test. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about which career is right for you.

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Choosing your new career path

Gaining a qualification from our Legal Assistant School puts you in an excellent position to access a variety of employment opportunities as you look for one that suits your skills and interests. 

At Northwest Career College, our Legal Assistant instructors include licensed, practicing attorneys and degree instructors able to teach, not only the law but also to guide our students in the many ways a criminal justice graduate integrates into a Las Vegas legal profession.

As part of our Legal Assistant Program, you’ll visit courts, jails, meditation centers, and more to experience first-hand the law in action, which will make your criminal justice training applicable to the Las Vegas legal system. 

Northwest offers a flexible blended program with all criminal justice classes taught on our Las Vegas campus by an attorney and general education courses offered online. Our experienced instructors are on-campus to review and support your learning experience at all times. 

Call us at (702) 403-1592 to speak to one of our enrollment team about joining our Legal Assistant Program today!

Cassidy Wagner
Author
Dean Of Administrative Programs

A graduate of Coronado High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she she earned her Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies, Cassidy found her passion in college. Having worked as a paralegal in a law firm for…Read Full Bio