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Starting Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catholic Charities

Paralegal

Madison, WI · On-site

$21.15/hr

The Immigration Paralegal will provide assistance in the preparation of immigration filings as well ... Starting pay is $21.15 per hour, commensurate with experience. Benefits: * Short Term Disability ...

company1254

Paralegal

Madison, WI · On-site

$21.15/hr

The Immigration Paralegal will provide assistance in the preparation of immigration filings as well ... Starting pay is $21.15 per hour, commensurate with experience. Benefits: * Short Term Disability ...

Humana, Inc.

Paralegal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$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 ...

State of Wisconsin

Paralegal

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$32.51/hr

Starting pay rate will be between $27.85 per hour and $32.51 per hour depending on qualifications ... Paralegal certification, related degree, or experience working in a paralegal role. * Experience ...

Prime Healthcare

Immigration Paralegal

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24 - $46/hr

The Paralegal performs jobs responsibilities within the framework of established immigration ... The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an ...

Watson Dwyer Inc.

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50/hr

This is a paralegal trainee job if you have a BA degree and an interest in a career in the world of ... Starting point for growth in our corporate litigation firm.

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 ...

Trustpoint.One

Paralegal - Litigation

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$24/hr

Starting at $24/hour, depending on experience, plus an additional hourly health & welfare benefit If you would like to learn more about the Litigation Paralegal position available in St. Louis, MO ...

Liberty Mutual

Paralegal

MA

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 ...

D.Law, Inc.

2026 Paralegal Training Program

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Law, with a starting pay rate of $30.00 per hour. Full-time employees who are selected for the Litigation Paralegal position are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical ...

Apply Early

City of Chicago

PARALEGAL II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K/yr

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Paralegal II Department of Law Finance Division Number of Positions: 2 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary: $68,616.00 annually This position ...

State Farm

Litigation Paralegal

Southfield, MI · 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

Litigation Paralegal

Southfield, MI · 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 ...

Trustpoint.One

Litigation Paralegal

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$24/hr

Starting at $24/hour, depending on experience, plus an additional hourly health & welfare benefit If you would like to learn more about the Litigation Paralegal position available in St. Louis, MO ...

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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

Paralegal

Catholic Charities

Madison, WI • On-site

$21.15/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The heart of our mission is to demonstrate Christ's love and justice by caring in faith for the human family. We change lives by helping and employing people of all backgrounds.

Catholic Charities has an immediate opening for a part time (20 hours) Immigration Paralegal. The Immigration Paralegal will provide assistance in the preparation of immigration filings as well as legal research and writing.

This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team that makes a real difference in the lives of others!

Starting pay is $21.15 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

  • Short Term Disability (working 20+ hours)
  • Accident, Critical and Hospital Indemnity Insurance (working 20+ hours)
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan (with 6% company match after 1 year)
  • PTO (working 20+ hours)
  • 10 Holidays (working 20+ hours)
  • Employee Referral Programs

Principle Accountabilities

  • Prepare immigration applications and petitions for submission to various government agencies, including drafting forms and support letters, gathering supporting documentation and compiling exhibits.
  • Coordinate and communicate with clients in order to secure case documentation, including affidavits in support of humanitarian-based applications.
  • Update clients on case progress and track deadlines.
  • Provide coverage for the legal assistant on an as-needed basis for administrative tasks.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information.

Qualifications

  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred; additional language skills are a plus.

  • Experience with general office and clerical skills working with Microsoft Office software, using a typical office phone system, copy machine, etc.
  • Ability to learn how to use legal case management software and familiarize oneself with data collection procedures.
  • Professional-level communication skills for engaging with clients, government agencies, and community partner organizations.
  • Detail-oriented with strong proof-reading skills.
  • Strong interest in providing immigration services to people from all around the world. Ability to relate to and converse with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Apply