Despite the increased use of automation, technology-assisted research, and artificial intelligence (AI) by law firms, there are plenty of good reasons why paralegals will likely remain a valued part of the legal landscape. Research conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) shows that employing paralegals can:
The trick is finding paralegal candidates with the right combination of critical thinking, communication, and research skills required to capably assist lawyers with complex tasks and provide optimum solutions for clients. Legal sector hiring managers should prepare for a 4% growth in demand for paralegals over the next decade. In addition, law firms are expected to face fierce competition for highly qualified paralegals as corporations continue to increase the size of their in-house legal teams.
Crafting a comprehensive paralegal job description can help you attract top talent to your legal team and the template below can help you get started. For more examples, you can review what other employers have written in their paralegal job postings on Monster.
This template was written by Monster’s team of experts based on job description best practices.
[Intro Paragraph] Your job description should begin with a concise overview of the open position and a brief description of an ideal candidate, for example: “We are seeking a diligent paralegal to join our highly collaborative workplace. The ideal candidate is adept at multitasking and client support and has previous experience working for a law firm or corporate legal team.” Writing this summary will help you focus on the most critical qualities you are seeking in your next paralegal.
About Our Workplace: Use this section of your paralegal job description to highlight the benefits of joining your firm. For example, you could describe the company culture, mission, values, and the types of cases the paralegal would handle.
Paralegal Job Responsibilities: Use this section of your job description to present a comprehensive list of the job responsibilities so candidates can decide if they are interested in the work and have the necessary skills and experience to succeed. Edit this list based on your specific hiring needs and area of legal specialization.
Work Hours and Benefits: This section should include the hours required and the salary range and benefits that come with the position. To determine a fair offer for your city or town, you can use a salary tool like Monster’s, which allows you to input job titles and locations to calculate estimates for low, median, and high salaries. One of the best ways to use this section of your paralegal job description is to emphasize benefits and perks that are most likely to appeal to paralegal applicants, such as 401(k) and paid time off.
Paralegal Qualifications and Skills: Use this section of your paralegal job description to share the skills and experience that would make someone an ideal candidate. Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs if they do not meet all the requirements. You attract more applicants and enhance your diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by noting which qualifications are required and which are preferred.
Education and Experience Requirements:
[Call To Action] End your paralegal job description on a strong note with a call to action that directs candidates to apply and provides them with instructions on how to do so.
Copy Job Description Template Text Copy Job Description Template TextAfter crafting your paralegal job description, you’re ready to find the right fit for your firm. Find qualified candidates quickly with a job post on Monster and a recruitment plan designed to fit your needs.
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