Explore a possible path

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
  • Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
  • Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
  • Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
  • Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
  • File pleadings with court clerks.
  • Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.7 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.0 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.1 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.9 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.3 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2024-08

4.0 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2024-08

3.9 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2024-08

3.9 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2024-08

3.6 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2024-08

3.3 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2024-08

3.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 3 of 5 · 2024-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Legal Studies →

Legal Assistant/Paralegal →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 23-2011.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.