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Starting Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J. Pena Law, PLLC

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 ...

Weber Gallagher

Paralegal

Bedminster, NJ · On-site

$55K/yr

Paralegal- Workers Compensation - Hybrid from Bedminster or Mt. Laurel, NJ Weber Gallagher has ... starting salary for this position is $55,000 + and is dependent upon various factors such as ...

State Farm

Paralegal

Bloomington, 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 ...

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

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 · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

D.LAW INC

Litigation Paralegal

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$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 ...

The Florida Bar

Part-Time Paralegal

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$29.28/hr

Part-Time Paralegal Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) department | Fort Lauderdale, FL branch office Part-time | 25 hours per week | Minimum starting salary $38,064.00 (29.28 per hour) | Eligible for ...

SLR Search

Hybrid Patent Paralegal

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$43 - $47.50/hr

Hybrid Patent Paralegal Benefits - Starting Salary targeting $43 - $47.50/hour - Profit Sharing - Remote flexibility 2 days per week - Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance - 401k ...

Ohnstad Twichell

Probate Paralegal

Casselton, ND · On-site

$28.69/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Probate Paralegal to join our team at our office ... Hourly rate starting at $28.69+ depending on experience. Learn more about us at www.ohnstadlaw.com.

Manuel Diaz Law Firm PC

Criminal Paralegal

Dallas, TX · On-site

Manuel Diaz Law Firm, PC. is seeking a dynamic, self-starting individual with vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to serve as a Bilingual (Spanish) Paralegal in the Criminal Department.

Loomis Sayles

Paralegal

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the Role This is a paralegal replacement position within the Legal and Compliance Department ... Your starting salary will be based on your experience, skills, qualifications and local ...

ITC Federal, Inc.

Supervisory Paralegal

Supervisory Paralegal AGENCY SUPPORTED: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - MEGA 6 Automated ... Trust clearance prior to starting. BENEFITS: Health, Dental and Vision, 401(k), Tuition ...

Liberty Mutual Insurance

Paralegal

MA · On-site +1

$67K/yr

Reporting to a Paralegal Manager, the Paralegal II provides support for litigation matters of ... The typical starting salary range for this role is determined by a number of factors including ...

Humana

Paralegal

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$59K - $80K/yr

As a Paralegal 1, a successful candidate will be a self-starter who can effectively manage a ... starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay ...

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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 Jul 1, 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.

How can I get a paralegal job with no experience?

Starting paralegals can improve their chances by gaining relevant skills through paralegal certificate programs, internships, or volunteering in legal settings. Demonstrating strong organizational, research, and communication skills can also help compensate for lack of formal experience when applying for entry-level positions.

What does a first year paralegal make?

A first-year paralegal typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and industry. Entry-level salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and the role often requires familiarity with legal research tools and document management systems.

How to start off as a paralegal?

Starting as a paralegal typically involves obtaining a relevant education, such as an associate degree or paralegal certificate, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of legal procedures, and proficiency with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis are also important for entry into the field.

Why are there no entry level paralegal jobs?

Starting paralegal positions are often limited because employers prefer candidates with some legal experience or relevant coursework, making entry-level opportunities less common. Many new paralegals gain experience through internships, volunteering, or completing paralegal certificate programs to improve their chances of employment.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,731 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Paralegal

J. Pena Law, PLLC

Edinburg, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Case planning, development and management.
  • Document Review and drafting.
  • Manage electronic filing systems (State and Federal).
  • Client communication.
  • General administrative tasks as needed throughout the law firm.
  • Schedule and maintain docket.
  • Manage firm calendars and deadlines.

Requirements:

  • Experience working with civil litigation files.
  • Knowledge of local court rules (State and Federal).

Experience:

  • Microsoft Office and Mac operating system: 2years (preferred).

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Edinburg, TX 78539: 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 (Required)

Language:

  • English / Spanish

Work Location: In person

Company Description

J. Pena Law is a professional, data-driven boutique law firm focusing on Plaintiff side civil litigation. Including but not limited to business litigation, governmental litigation and personal injury. Our goal is to provide professional and exceptional legal representation to all our clients.
We are currently seeking a self motivated experienced Paralegal. A successful candidate will have a full understanding of the legal system, including past and current laws, and will be able to assist with developing new techniques and ideas for the law firm.