Corporate paralegal vs bankruptcy paralegal

The differences between corporate paralegals and bankruptcy paralegals can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a corporate paralegal and a bankruptcy paralegal. Additionally, a corporate paralegal has an average salary of $67,515, which is higher than the $55,485 average annual salary of a bankruptcy paralegal.

The top three skills for a corporate paralegal include litigation, corporate governance and legal research. The most important skills for a bankruptcy paralegal are pacer, litigation, and debtor.

Corporate paralegal vs bankruptcy paralegal overview

	Corporate Paralegal	Bankruptcy Paralegal
Yearly salary	$67,515	$55,485
Hourly rate	$32.46	$26.68
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	13,482	7,259
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	12	12

What does a corporate paralegal do?

A Corporate Paralegal helps attorneys gather information and materials in preparation for different kinds of cases, hearings, or meetings. They also work in the legal departments of large corporations and for government agencies.

What does a bankruptcy paralegal do?

A Bankruptcy Paralegal assists lawyers and their clients through the bankruptcy process. Their primary duties include collecting and reviewing paperwork for petitions, drafting pleadings, and preparing all documents required by the bankruptcy court.

Corporate paralegal vs bankruptcy paralegal salary

Corporate paralegals and bankruptcy paralegals have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Corporate Paralegal	Bankruptcy Paralegal
Average salary	$67,515	$55,485
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $106,000	Between $30,000 And $102,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton	-
Best paying industry	Finance	-

Differences between corporate paralegal and bankruptcy paralegal education

There are a few differences between a corporate paralegal and a bankruptcy paralegal in terms of educational background:

	Corporate Paralegal	Bankruptcy Paralegal
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Legal Support Services	Legal Support Services
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Corporate paralegal vs bankruptcy paralegal demographics

Here are the differences between corporate paralegals' and bankruptcy paralegals' demographics:

	Corporate Paralegal	Bankruptcy Paralegal
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 20.8% Female, 79.2%	Male, 20.3% Female, 79.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 5.8% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 5.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between corporate paralegal and bankruptcy paralegal duties and responsibilities

Corporate paralegal example responsibilities.

Manage a team of five to prepare over 100 UCC-1 forms to meet a 48 hour deadline.
Achieve sole responsibility for administration of all estates and guardianships.
Prepare documents such as estoppel certificates, subordination agreements and commencement agreements.
Collect and prepare information and draft answers to department litigation including informational statements, pleadings, and affidavits.
Involve in all aspects of litigation support including legal research, factual investigations, document review/management, and trial preparation.
Analyze and review of new and existing commercial lease agreements, estoppel certificates, subordination and non-disturbance agreements and lease amendments.

Bankruptcy paralegal example responsibilities.

Manage and organize all aspects of foreclosure cases coordinating document flow and logistical preparation for complex cases.
Manage large volume of documents, enabling attorneys to easily identify key documents that are critical for mediation and arbitration.
Prepare first and final probate court filings.
Draft pleadings, research court filings, and communicate with title companies to process real estate foreclosure proceedings.
Arrange service of subpoenas and summonses.
Initial set up and opening of files; including obtaining court documents from pacer.

Corporate paralegal vs bankruptcy paralegal skills

Common corporate paralegal skills

Litigation, 9%
Corporate Governance, 7%
Legal Research, 6%
Mergers, 5%
Securities, 5%
Excellent Organizational, 4%

Common bankruptcy paralegal skills

Pacer, 9%
Litigation, 9%
Debtor, 7%
Credit Reports, 7%
Law Firm, 6%
Bankruptcy Court, 5%

Corporate Paralegal vs. similar jobs

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Corporate Paralegal
Corporate Paralegal vs Bankruptcy Paralegal

Updated January 8, 2025

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