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Starting Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Indiana Legal Services

Paralegal

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$37K/yr

Job Announcement Paralegal Agency Description : Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a statewide ... Starting salary is $37,123.50 with a range up to a maximum of $49,506.50 depending on experience.

Cherokee Federal

Paralegal I

San Diego, CA

$24 - $26/hr

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Paralegal I: $24/hour -$26/hour Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided.

State Farm

Paralegal

Glendale, CA · Hybrid

Paralegal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Assist attorneys in discovery and pre ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

Cherokee Federal

Paralegal I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Paralegal I: $24/hour -$26/hour Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided.

State Farm

Paralegal

Ontario, CA · On-site

Paralegal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Assist attorneys in discovery and pre ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Ontario, CA · Hybrid

Paralegal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Assist attorneys in discovery and pre ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Birmingham, AL · Hybrid

$56K - $71K/yr

Paralegal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Assist attorneys in discovery and pre ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

Law Office of Dale Wagner

Paralegal

Stanwood, WA · On-site

Paralegals or legal assistants with workers' compensation or personal injury practice experience ... We are seeking a self-starting and motivated individual to join our team. We are particularly ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$56K - $71K/yr

Paralegal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Assist attorneys in discovery and pre ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

Dudley Staffing

Litigation Paralegal

Pittsburgh, PA

$24/hr

Starting at $24/hour Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (In-Office) Are you a detail-oriented litigation paralegal looking to grow your career in personal injury and medical malpractice. A ...

Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer

Paralegal

Roseville, CA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Mid-sized Roseville law firm seeks a seasoned paralegal with experience in both civil litigation ... Starting salary is comparable to going rates and will depend on experience. Hours from 8:30-5:00 ...

J. Pena Law, PLLC

Be Seen First

Paralegal

Edinburg, TX · On-site

Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: * Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred) * Paralegal: 5 years ...

J. Pena Law, PLLC

Be Seen First

Paralegal

Edinburg, TX · On-site

Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: * Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred) * Paralegal: 5 years ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Houston, TX · On-site

Prior paralegal experience, litigation * Background in drafting discovery responses, trial ... Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ...

D.LAW INC

Litigation Paralegal

Pasadena, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Pasadena, CA Hours : Full-Time / 40 hours per week (Mo-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm) Starting Pay : $30.00 - $40.00+ per hour (depending on experience) Certification : Paralegal certificate (or equivalent ...

ITC Federal, Inc

Supervisory Paralegal

Fairfax, VA · Remote

Supervisory Paralegal Location US- ID 2026-1560 Remote Yes Overview JOB TITLE: Supervisory ... Trust clearance prior to starting. BENEFITS: Health, Dental and Vision, 401(k), Tuition ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience * High end of the range limited ... Prior paralegal experience, litigation * Background in drafting discovery responses, trial ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Prior experience as a paralegal, paralegal degree/certificate/certification, or relevant coursework ... Potential starting salary range: $56,000 - $84,000 * Starting salary will be based on skills ...

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All JobsStarting Paralegal Jobs

Starting Paralegal information

See salary details

$33K

$59.7K

$89K

How much do starting paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for starting paralegal in the United States is $59,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Starting Paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Starting Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, research methods, and document preparation, usually supported by a paralegal certificate or associate degree. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and Microsoft Office is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organization, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you excel in supporting attorneys and managing caseloads. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and reliable support in a fast-paced legal environment.

What is the difference between Starting Paralegal vs Legal Assistant?

AspectStarting ParalegalLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateHigh school diploma or associate's degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, courts, legal departments
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, case preparationFiling, scheduling, client communication
Industry UsageCommonly used in legal settings with more advanced tasksMore administrative support role

Starting Paralegals typically have specialized legal training and handle more substantive legal work, while Legal Assistants focus on administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in legal environments, but Starting Paralegals often have greater responsibilities and require specific credentials.

What are some typical challenges a starting paralegal might face when adapting to a law firm's workflow?

As a starting paralegal, you may encounter challenges such as learning to manage multiple case files, adapting to the fast-paced environment, and understanding each attorney's preferences for document preparation and communication. Balancing deadlines and staying organized are crucial, as is becoming familiar with legal terminology and procedures specific to your practice area. Fortunately, most firms provide mentorship and training to help new paralegals adjust and develop the skills needed for long-term success.

What are starting paralegals?

Starting paralegals are entry-level legal professionals who assist lawyers with tasks such as preparing documents, conducting legal research, and organizing case files. They usually work under the supervision of attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Starting paralegals often have completed a paralegal studies program or hold a degree in a related field. Their role is crucial in supporting legal teams by handling administrative and procedural duties, allowing attorneys to focus on more complex legal work.
More about Starting Paralegal jobs
What cities are hiring for Starting Paralegal jobs? Cities with the most Starting Paralegal job openings:
What states have the most Starting Paralegal jobs? States with the most job openings for Starting Paralegal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Starting Paralegal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Starting Paralegal jobs are:
Starting Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Starting Paralegal job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,731 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Paralegal

Defender Association of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$82K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

TRIAL UNIT

At Least One Position

Posting Date: April 1, 2026

Closing Date: When Filled


The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has at least one opening for a Paralegal. This is a full-time position which will support teams in the Traditional Trial Unit including the Capital Trial Unit. The Trial Unit represents indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses nine counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Our federal district has courthouses in Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Easton. Our Capital Trial Unit represents person charged with Capital eligible offenses in U.S. District courts throughout the United States.


Philadelphia, one of America’s most preeminent historical cities, is rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Our office is in Philadelphia’s Center City district, in the historic Curtis building, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell and Washington Square Park.


Requirements. To qualify for the position of paralegal, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or have a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program. Candidates must also possess:

  • a strong legal, administrative, or paralegal background.
  • excellent organization, communication, and administrative skills.
  • computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, word processing, legal research tools using Westlaw and Lexis, and database coding, search, and maintenance.
  • excellent command of English grammar and spelling.
  • three to five years of relevant experience, preferably managing complex litigation and/or voluminous case files.
  • experience as a paralegal performing progressively responsible paralegal duties.
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Duties. The paralegal performs legal and administrative duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents that include researching legal issues, drafting motions and orders, and maintaining electronic case files and databases. Paralegals support the assistant federal defenders by performing duties that include assisting with case file management, gathering, organizing, summarizing, and indexing of electronic and paper documents and other discovery materials. Paralegals also assist attorneys at hearings and trials; with client contact; with expert and witness interviews; with litigation support services using advanced software programs; and other duties as assigned.


Selection Criteria. The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of law office operations, legal practices, methods and techniques, and an understanding of criminal law, procedure, and evidence. Prior federal court litigation experience is preferred. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to a criminal record check.


Salary and Benefits. The starting salary of a paralegal will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from JSP-11, Step 1, to JSP-14, Step 1, and currently yielding $82,289 to $138,595 per annum.


How to Apply. Interested applicants should apply at Federal Community Defender Careers. The application must include a cover letter of interest, a résumé, three references, and representative writing sample. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.


The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to promoting a professional work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.