Criminal Law Paralegal Job Description and Career Outlook

Paralegals in the criminal law field do much of the work that other paralegals do (filing and drafting paperwork, performing legal research, etc.). Criminal law paralegals are integral to the preparation of a case by performing research and interviewing witnesses and possible co-defendants.

Criminal Law Paralegal Qualifications, Requirements and Common Tasks

A criminal law paralegal is qualified when they have obtained all the necessary education and training needed to work in criminal justice such as having a two or four year degree, as well as paralegal training and criminal law specialization.

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Paralegals in this field have extensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws as well as court procedure. Criminal law paralegals are tasked with interviewing clients and witnesses as well as gathering research to help build cases for or against individuals depending on whether they work for the District Attorney or a private firm. Many criminal law paralegals also have degrees in criminal justice to further their understanding of the legal system and its procedures as well as increase the chances of employment.

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Criminal Law Paralegal Salary, Job Outlook and Employers

As with any field, paralegal work salary depends on several factors. Experience, certification and specialization are just a few of the factors that determine salary. If a person has a two or four year degree with criminal law specific focus, they will have a better chance to become employed and be paid more. On average, criminal law paralegals make between $40,000 and $55,000 depending on the factors discussed above as well as geographical region and whether a person works for the D.A. or a private firm. According to Legal Assistant Today, criminal law paralegal salaries and job openings are expected to grow. Private law firms are the biggest employer of paralegals in this field (and many other fields) with about 70% of the employment while the government and some interest groups employ the rest.

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Page Edited by Charles Sipe.