Legal

Paralegal Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Copy-ready Paralegal JD with 2026 US salary benchmarks ($50,000-$90,000) and ATS-optimized formatting.

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Job Title: Paralegal Department: Legal Location: [City, State] / Hybrid Reports To: Senior Attorney or General Counsel Employment Type: Full-Time About [Law Firm / Company Name] [Law Firm / Company Name] is a [litigation / corporate / full-service] law firm / in-house legal team serving clients in [practice areas] across [region]. Our attorneys and legal professionals are committed to delivering accurate, efficient, and ethical legal work. We value paralegals as essential members of our legal team and invest in their growth and development. About the Role We are looking for a skilled and organized Paralegal to support our attorneys across a range of legal matters. You will conduct substantive legal research, draft and proofread documents, manage case files, and serve as a key point of coordination for clients and opposing counsel. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving legal environment. Key Responsibilities - Conduct comprehensive legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal databases, summarizing findings clearly for attorney review - Draft, edit, and proofread pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, correspondence, and other legal documents under attorney supervision - Manage and organize case files, ensuring all documents are filed correctly in both physical and electronic dossiers in accordance with firm protocols - Coordinate discovery processes including document collection, review, bates-labeling, and production in litigation matters - Prepare trial and hearing materials including exhibit lists, witness binders, deposition summaries, and chronologies - Communicate professionally with clients to obtain information, provide status updates, and schedule appointments under the direction of the supervising attorney - Monitor court filing deadlines, hearing dates, and statute of limitations using the firm's docketing and calendar system - File documents electronically with federal and state courts using CM/ECF, state e-filing systems, and service of process platforms - Assist in the preparation and review of contracts, corporate governance documents, and transactional due diligence materials - Maintain billing records and track billable hours accurately in the firm's practice management software Required Qualifications - Associate's or bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies from an ABA-approved program, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus an ABA-approved paralegal certificate - 2+ years of paralegal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department - Proficiency with Westlaw or LexisNexis for legal research and case law analysis - Experience with legal practice management software (Clio, MyCase, iManage, or equivalent) - Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional proofreading abilities - Working knowledge of federal and state court filing rules and procedural requirements - High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information appropriately Nice to Have - CP or PP certification from NALA, or RP designation from NFPA - Experience in a specific practice area: corporate M&A, employment law, real estate, or intellectual property - Familiarity with e-discovery platforms such as Relativity, Everlaw, or Logikcull - Notary public commission What We Offer - Competitive salary: $50,000 to $90,000 per year, based on experience and practice area - Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution - 401(k) plan with firm match - Paid time off plus bar association holiday schedule - Continuing legal education (CLE) and paralegal certification reimbursement - Clear advancement track to Senior Paralegal or Legal Operations roles

2026 Paralegal Salary Benchmarks (US)

Entry Level
$50,000
per year
Senior Level
$90,000
per year

Frequently asked questions

What does a Paralegal do?

A Paralegal assists attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, managing case files, coordinating client communications, and preparing for trials or hearings. They cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.

What education does a Paralegal need?

Most employers require an associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field, or a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program. A bachelor's degree in another field combined with a paralegal certificate is also widely accepted.

What is the average Paralegal salary in 2026?

Paralegal salaries in the US range from $50,000 for entry-level roles at smaller firms to $90,000 for experienced paralegals at large law firms or corporate legal departments in major metros.

What is the difference between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant?

Paralegals perform substantive legal work including research, drafting pleadings, and case management under attorney supervision. Legal Assistants typically focus on administrative support such as scheduling, filing, and client intake, with less involvement in case strategy and legal documentation.

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