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Paralegals

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Experience as an intern, volunteer, or part-time employee at a law firm or other employer of paralegals is recommended 

Paralegals need strong research, writing, and organizational skills. They have to be able to concentrate on detailed work for possibly long hours behind a desk. Deductive reasoning, the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce a conclusion, will help advance one's career.

Paralegals must be able to take direction from the attorney and meet deadlines. Proficiency with computers and legal databases, such as LexisNexis, is critical as more legal research and court documents as well as filings are online.

Communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital to working as a paralegal. You must be able to turn research into reports that a lawyer or corporate executive can use. You must also be able to think logically and learn new laws and regulations quickly. Research skills, computer skills, and people skills are other necessities.

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