What is the wage difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

Question

What is the wage difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

Answer 1

I think that really depends on the firm you wind up at and the exact position requirements. Some firms pay an outrageous difference between the two categories, but may have very different expectations of what the person should be doing. I'd check job postings on craigslist to get a better idea.

Answer 2

I was looking back at past questions and some believe that the terms are used synonymously but that a paralegal is supposed to have certification while the legal assistant may do secretarial tasks as well as some paralegal tasks (research, writing briefs, etc).  My friend's mother who had worked in human resources of a law firm said that they only hire paralegals with a bachelor's degree in 'something' and perhaps their graduating from an ABA (american bar association) approved program upped their chances of being hired.  

A lawyer told me many years ago that it is actually more affordable for him to hire a law student as an intern and not have to pay job benefits than a paralegal.  If still interested in paralegal training, please look into the less expensive schools such as the county vo-tech school or community college as long as it's accredited by the aba.

Answer 3

check out

www.salary.com

they have a ton of job salary listing there and specifically targeted towards zip codes entered

Answer 4

I think the wage or salary depends more on the size and finances of the office than the actual title.