Job description template

Paralegal Job Description Template

A copy-ready paralegal job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows paralegals earn a median of $62,890 ($30.24/hour); the middle 50% earn $50,340–$80,080.

Job title

Paralegal

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable paralegal to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will conduct legal and factual research, draft pleadings, motions, correspondence and contracts for attorney review and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct legal and factual research
  • Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence and contracts for attorney review
  • Organize and manage case files and discovery documents
  • Track deadlines and maintain the case calendar
  • Prepare exhibits, trial binders and closing documents
  • Communicate with clients, courts and opposing counsel’s staff
  • File documents electronically with courts and agencies
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Associate's degree
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of legal research and legal writing and drafting
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • Certified Paralegal (NALA CP)
  • NFPA PCCE and PACE
  • NALS Professional Paralegal (PP)
  • Experience with westlaw or Lexis

Skills

  • Discovery management
  • Docketing and calendaring
  • Court e-filing
  • Legal software
  • Discretion
  • Clear writing

Work environment and schedule

Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and nonprofits. The work is office- and computer-based, with occasional trips to courts or client sites. Some roles are hybrid. Usually full-time; litigation paralegals may work long hours before trials and filing deadlines.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a paralegal job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Paralegal” is the clearest; alternates include Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Corporate Paralegal.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a paralegal so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Paralegal training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Paralegal hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing