HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common pathway is to finish secondary school, then take a college or other postsecondary program in paralegal studies, legal administration, or a related field. Some employers may prefer applicants with legal office experience, strong keyboarding and computer skills, and good writing, research, and client service skills. Others may hire graduates and provide on-the-job training for office procedures, court documents, and legal software. In some provinces or for certain roles, additional training, employer requirements, or professional certification may be expected, but these can vary by employer and location.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assist lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
- Prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
- Research records, court files and other legal documents
- Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Client Needs AssessmentCommunication SkillsResearchReports