O*NET-SOC 23-2011.00

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 3 – Medium preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresPrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Writing2.A.1.c4.008/2024
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.8808/2024
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.8808/2024
Speaking2.A.1.d3.6208/2024
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.2508/2024
Active Learning2.A.2.b3.008/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.24.008/2024
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.13.8808/2024
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.33.8808/2024
Written Expression1.A.1.a.43.8808/2024
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.7508/2024
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.53.7508/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.Core6708/2024
Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.Core6708/2024
Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.Core6708/2024
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.Core6708/2024
Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.Core6708/2024

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Conventional5.4911/2023
Investigative4.5611/2023
Enterprising4.2111/2023
Social3.2811/2023
Artistic2.0411/2023
Realistic1.7111/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 3

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.