Published: July 17th, 2006
The Chronicle Herald
PARALEGAL
Paralegals always on the case
Professionals help keep the wheels of justice turning
Paralegal Kristina Reid in the offices of Boyne Clarke in Dartmouth. (TED PRITCHARD / Staff)
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Nature of the Work
People who work in this group of occupations assist members of the legal profession or act as officers of the court.
Legal assistants and paralegals in law firms help lawyers in preparing legal documents, maintaining records, interviewing clients and witnesses, and conducting research.
Independent paralegals provide certain legal services to the public, such as representing clients in small claims court, and advising clients and taking legal action on landlord and tenant matters, traffic violations and name changes.
Skills
For this type of work, you should be interested in the legal profession. Accuracy and the ability to understand and follow instructions are important.
You must be tactful and have good interpersonal skills for dealing with clients.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are also necessary.
Employment Requirements
It is recommended that you supplement on-the-job experience as a paralegal or legal assistant with a certificate or diploma in office/business administration, a bachelor's degree in law, or a diploma in a paralegal program.
In-house training from a law firm or other legal establishment may supplement or, in some cases, replace academic requirements.
Work Prospects
As qualifications, responsibilities and regulations are established for the paralegal profession, their roles and responsibilities will be expanded.
Technological advances will create new roles for paralegals in assisting attorneys conduct more cost-efficient research and produce more specialized presentations. Also, work conducted inter-provincially and internationally may become more common with technological advances and expand employment opportunities in Nova Scotia.
The average age for paralegals in Nova Scotia is approximately 36, which is slightly below the average age for all occupations in the province.
Retirements are not expected to contribute significantly to job openings.
Labour Market Information
Outlook: Fair
Estimated employment in 2005: 860
Estimated change in employment between 2005 and 2010: Growing
Estimated average annual number of job openings: 24
Estimated rate of unemployment in 2004: Below average
Estimated average earnings in 2005: $12 hourly
This is a predominantly female occupation, with 88 per cent of paralegals in Nova Scotia being women. Approximately 12 per cent work part-time and six per cent are self-employed. Fifty-six per cent hold a post-secondary certificate or diploma and an additional 30 per cent have university degrees.
Where are the jobs
Annapolis Valley 7.2%
Cape Breton 9.6%
Halifax 64.8%
North Shore 12.8%
Southern N.S. 5.6%
Typical Jobs
Paralegal
Notary Public
Trademark Agent
Law Clerk
Legal Assistant
Legal Researcher
Related Occupations
Judges and Lawyers
Legal Secretaries
Quote:
"To be a good paralegal you have to be organized, analytical and committed. You are a lawyer's right hand, but don't necessarily have the pressure of clients and insurance and long hours." Kristina Reid, a paralegal with Boyne Clarke of Dartmouth.
On the Job is a weekly column looking at employment options in Nova Scotia.
Information on 300 occupations for Nova Scotians can be found at the Education D
epartment's Career Options website, novascotiacareeroptions.ca.
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