General Paralegal/Legal Assistant Roles:
* Paralegal: This is the most common title and encompasses a broad range of duties, depending on the area of law (e.g., family law, corporate law, criminal law). Duties can include legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, client communication, and preparing for hearings or trials.
* Legal Assistant: Similar to a paralegal, but the duties may be less complex and focused on administrative tasks. They may handle scheduling, filing, correspondence, and data entry, in addition to some basic legal tasks.
* Legal Secretary: While this role often requires less formal education, an associate's degree can make a candidate more competitive. Responsibilities are primarily administrative, such as managing calendars, correspondence, and client files.
Specialized Roles (depending on area of focus during studies or employer):
* Family Law Paralegal: Specializing in divorce, custody, child support, and other family matters.
* Corporate Paralegal: Assisting with contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate legal matters.
* Real Estate Paralegal: Handling legal aspects of property transactions, closings, and title searches.
* Bankruptcy Paralegal: Assisting with bankruptcy filings and procedures.
* Criminal Law Paralegal: Supporting attorneys in criminal cases, including investigation, witness preparation, and legal research.
* Immigration Paralegal: Assisting with immigration applications and procedures.
* Litigation Paralegal: Preparing for trials, managing discovery, and assisting with other litigation tasks.
Important Note: While an associate degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, some larger firms or specialized areas might prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree. The specific requirements vary widely based on the firm's size, location, and area of law. Also, gaining experience is vital for career advancement in the field.