| Aspect | Attorneys | Paralegals |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Law degree (JD), license to practice law | Post-secondary education, often a certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies |
| Work Environment | Legal firms, courts, corporate legal departments | Law firms, legal departments, government agencies |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Legal professionals providing legal advice and representation | Supporting attorneys with research, document preparation, and case management |
Attorneys and paralegals both work in the legal industry, but attorneys are licensed to practice law and provide legal advice, while paralegals support attorneys with research and administrative tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the legal field.