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Job outlook for legal specialists in the United States
Legal specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected legal specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for legal specialists are projected over the next decade.
Legal specialist salaries have increased 7% for legal specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,478 legal specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 6,517 active legal specialist job openings in the US.
The average legal specialist salary is $55,253.
Are legal specialist jobs in demand?
Legal specialist job and salary trends over time
Legal specialist jobs over time
Legal specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,478 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 8,193 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,181 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,001 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,822 | 0.00% |
Average legal specialist salary over time
Legal specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $55,253 | $26.56 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $53,525 | $25.73 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $52,633 | $25.30 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $51,910 | $24.96 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $51,436 | $24.73 | +2.0% |
Legal specialist jobs by state
Most common states for legal specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 169 | 24% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 21 | 3% |
| 3 | California | 39,536,653 | 595 | 2% |
| 4 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 372 | 2% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 173 | 2% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 153 | 2% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 135 | 2% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 128 | 2% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 113 | 2% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 105 | 2% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 34 | 2% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 21 | 2% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 16 | 2% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 15 | 2% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 14 | 2% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 270 | 1% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 173 | 1% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 113 | 1% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 30 | 1% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 13 | 1% |
Most common cities for legal specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Troy | 3 | 4% | $60,995 |
| 2 | Redmond | 2 | 3% | $46,867 |
| 3 | Marlborough | 1 | 3% | $91,420 |
| 4 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $58,941 |
| 5 | Melbourne | 1 | 1% | $53,857 |
| 6 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $44,573 |
| 7 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $91,269 |
| 8 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $93,559 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $54,576 |
| 10 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $91,605 |
| 11 | Portland | 1 | 0% | $45,789 |
| 12 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $75,151 |
Legal Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of legal specialist experts
Catholic University of America
University of Akron
University of Houston
Highline College
Berkeley College
Catholic University of America
Berkeley College
University of Hartford
Lewis and Clark School of Law
California University of Pennsylvania
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Ferris State University
New England Law | Boston
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
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Illinois State University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Indiana University Bloomington
University of Connecticut
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor’s ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Chad Smith: For paralegal's skills that stand out particularly in the current market:
-Experience with technology, online platforms, digital/online research (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law)
-Telework/telecommuting, e-discovery and cloud computing/services, document creation and formatting
-Communication/writing skills and specifically the ability to understand the law and communicate legal matters effectively for court, layman clients, and attorneys
-The ability to write effective legal documents that are clear, concise, and complete
-Organization, efficiency, time management, and case management
I definitely emphasize the requirement of computer skills, as personally, I would not hire any paralegal who is not very competent and comfortable working digitally. Additionally, case management and the ability to juggle many cases at a time is extremely important. It definitely stands out when a paralegal has experience managing a large caseload and can produce quality legal pleadings in a very efficient manner.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor's ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor’s ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Specialists to find work opportunities?
Chad Smith: Yes. The paralegal job market is growing. Specifically, the DC/DMV area is in the top 5 of the country for salary and is the largest paralegal market in the U.S. This is because we have an increased demand for paralegals as we have private firms, federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, there is a major trend in the legal industry with private firms moving to have fewer attorneys and more paralegals. Thus, increasing the demand for competent paralegals.
Alisa Benedict O’Brien
Assistant Dean for Career Services, Strategic Initiatives & External AffairsUniversity of Akron
Dispute Resolution
What general advice would you give to a Legal Specialist?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Make yourself indispensable to your employer. Be timely and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job and your work ethic. Offer to jump in on a project or stay late to get your work done. Get involved in your community and network. Getting out and building relationships will lead to clients and generate business. Never stop learning and asking questions as your goal is to become an expert in your field; this includes attending continuing legal education programs, seminars, lunch and learns, webinars, writing a blog post or article, etc.
What Legal Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Be authentic and confident. You have worked extremely hard to finish your law degree and to pass the bar exam. You have demonstrated you are capable so now is the time to give yourself every opportunity to succeed in your career. Join your state and local bar associations and seek out mentors. Volunteer. Pro bono service is extremely important to your personal and professional growth.
What will help Legal Specialists increase their earning potential?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Make yourself indispensable to your employer. Be timely and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job and your work ethic. Offer to jump in on a project or stay late to get your work done. Get involved in your community and network. Getting out and building relationships will lead to clients and generate business. Never stop learning and asking questions as your goal is to become an expert in your field; this includes attending continuing legal education programs, seminars, lunch and learns, webinars, writing a blog post or article, etc.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Katherine Butler Brem: From the 30,000 foot view, the things that stand out on a new lawyer's resume are things that reflect work ethic and intellect. This is why lawyers, perhaps more than any other profession, are "credentials conscious." To an employer, GPA is important because it reflects both intellect and a good work ethic. Of course, where you go to law school is also important. But there are other things students can do to enhance these qualities of work ethic and intellect on their resumes. Journal work reflects a strong work ethic and is, typically, derivative of a student's GPA. Participating in moot court and mock trial also indicate strong work ethic and a student's willingness to think hard about difficult problems. Employers also appreciate things that reflect practical skills: judicial internships, summer clerkships, and other work experience, as well as clinic experience. Clinics offer a wealth of real-world experience. I always tell students that even if they don't intend to do work similar to the work they do in a clinic - immigration work, for example - the people skills they learn dealing with real-world clients are invaluable, and the knowledge they take away will be useful for a lifetime.
And if students have any unique characteristic that sets them apart from the average law student, definitely include that on your resume. If you were a fishing guide in the summers, for example, or a zip line instructor at a summer camp, include it. Our career counselors usually advise against including this sort of non-legal experience but, when I was in practice and interviewing law students, it was the first thing my colleagues and I looked for. A lot of resumes look more or less the same - making your resume memorable may move your resume to the top of a pile. On two occasions, students have told me this advice was very helpful. One was a ballerina for a professional company in Poland before emigrating to the United States and attending college and then law school. The other had an FFA scholarship in college that required her to castrate hogs as part of a work-study experience. Each told me they left these experiences on their resumes against Career Development's advice, yet it was all anyone ever asked about during interviews. And, interestingly, both were offered employment at firms that typically looked for students with better traditional qualifications.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Katherine Butler Brem: Two things: Research skills, especially research skills specific to a particular specialty area like tax or immigration. If you're looking for work in these fields, you need to be knowledgeable about where and how to research law relevant to these specialties. Secondly, just minimum competence in the technology you need to practice law in the absence of significant administrative assistance - things like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and billing software.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Katherine Butler Brem: Both a strong work ethic and well-developed intellect are critical for advancement. It's not likely that who you know or fate will allow you to stumble into a windfall. The most successful lawyers are the ones that work the hardest. This doesn't mean that you can't take time for yourself, but you have to be disciplined with your time. Also, good client communication skills and an ability to understand client needs and motivations are equally critical for advancement. When a client contacts you, they're looking for a quick response - even if that response is simply to say that you are working on the problem and will get back to them at a specific time.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Che Dawson J.D.: The most important is technology and writing skills, in that order.
What soft skills should all Legal Specialists possess?
Che Dawson J.D.: Willingness to learn, professionalism (punctuality, collegiality), ability to work independently and take the initiative.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Che Dawson J.D.: Technology/computer skills, legal research skills, attention to detail, and writing skills.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Che Dawson J.D.: Technology! Most attorneys aren't outstanding with technology. They really value assistants who are!
Richard Olivieri
Professor, Legal StudiesBerkeley College
School of Professional St
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Richard Olivieri: Over the past decade, legal specialists have assumed a combination of responsibilities historically handled by legal secretaries, paralegals, office managers, and, in some law firms, the accounting and billing departments. As a result, when a law firm partner or hiring committee reviews resumes of prospective legal specialists, they typically focus on the experience and education backgrounds of candidates to ensure that they possess excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Legal specialists should also be proficient in legal technology. In addition to having knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Clio. Legal specialists should be familiar with time tracking and billing software (e.g., TimeSlips).
What soft skills should all Legal Specialists possess?
Richard Olivieri: As in most professions, legal specialists must possess soft skills. Soft skills such as being a team player, the ability to multitask, and the capability of interacting on a personal level with staff and clients are expected. Furthermore, since lawyers and clients typically serve as a buffer, legal specialists must exhibit empathy and patience when communicating with clients.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Richard Olivieri: Hard skills are essential to working in a legal environment. Proficiency in legal technology such as how to eFile documents with state and federal courts, experience with the drafting of pleadings and discovery documents, and the ability to conduct legal research via free resources available on the internet, as well as subscription databases (e.g., Westlaw Edge and Lexis+), is important. There has also been an increased demand for legal specialists with knowledge of eDiscovery platforms, such as Relativity and Capterra. As evidenced by legal employers increasingly requesting that candidates produce a writing sample along with their resume, it is clear that legal specialists must have excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Richard Olivieri: Proficiency in technology and excellent writing skills are the two skills that will likely result in higher earnings for legal specialists.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor's ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
What soft skills should all Legal Specialists possess?
Chad Smith: Soft skills are those intangibles that every great professor has- a dynamic presenter that commands the attention and interest of their class/audience. These are the professors that intuitively know how to communicate lessons and convey meaning. Strong reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and flexibility. Last, is leadership as every great professor needs to lead their class and be comfortable being the center of attention.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Chad Smith: Most important would have to be strong computer and related technology skills. In today's world, more and more professors are having to rely on the use of technology and platforms such as Zoom, Blackboard, and Canvas for remote/online learning. Professors today need to be able to convey information in-person and online.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Chad Smith: I do not think there is a particular skill or set of skills that allows a professor to earn the most. Rather, it is a combination of everything from skills, legal knowledge, ability to teach dynamically, positive attitude, etc. In order to earn the most, you really have to be very good at all aspects of the job and a very strong educator that positively impacts student learning.
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on a Legal Specialist's resume include legal research and writing, analytical and logical skills, and time management. Prior experience with legal research and writing tells your future employer that you know or are familiar with the research and writing process. Moreover, it would be helpful to be familiar with at least one legal database, like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Analytical and logical skills warrant that you may reasonably use critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems that may arise in your day-to-day operations. Lastly, demonstrated skills in time management imply you can multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines while producing quality work.
What soft skills should all Legal Specialists possess?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Important soft skills include emotional intelligence and attention to detail. Working in the legal field, you may interact with attorneys, clients, or the public during stressful times. Accordingly, it is crucial to have self-awareness to be able to understand and control your emotions. It is also essential to gauge the feelings of others to provide the needed resources to support them and to show empathy, as working through the legal process may be emotional for some. Lastly, it is vital to exercise attention to detail when drafting documents or when talking with clients, as errors or not remembering important information about the client may imply that you or the office does not care about the client. Remember, you are a representative of the office, and your actions also reflect back on your colleagues.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: The most essential hard or technical skills needed for Legal Specialists are computer skills. Learning or improving on these capabilities through formal training, certifications, or even free online courses is wise if you are unfamiliar with trending programs or suites. COVID-19 has shown how essential it is to have technological skills since traditional workspaces have shifted into working from your home space.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include effective communication, time management, and open-mindedness. It is essential to continue to improve your oral and written communication skills. Communication includes interpersonal communication, small-group communication, and intercultural communication. In addition, time management is vital to allow time to review documents before submitting them to the courts or to your boss. Being open-minded means being open to positive feedback and to criticism. Try not to take criticisms personally, but as a learning experience for overall improvement.
What soft skills should all Legal Specialists possess?
Regina Graziani: Soft skills can be referred to in generic groups: employability skills, interpersonal skills, transferable skills, and people skills. Some of these skills overlap with technical skills. The five most important soft skills for a successful legal professional are organization, communication (written and oral), the ability to multitask, continuously pay attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team. Of course, skills such as being professional, pleasant, and punctual are important, as well.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Specialists?
Regina Graziani: Again, there is a long list of technical or hard skills important for a legal professional. Some depend on the practice area, but some are generic. Five of the most important hard skills that a successful paralegal should have are computer skills (ability to use software relevant to the practice area, word processing, eFiling, digital organization, document management, and digital conferencing, to name a few), research (online and print), communication (written and oral), critical thinking, and resourcefulness.
What skills will help Legal Specialists earn the most?
Regina Graziani: Much of this answer depends on the practice area. Knowing the technology, processes, and the ability to research the law in a particular area of law are extremely important. Also important are professionalism, the ability to work independently and anticipate what is needed, always seeking to learn more and streamline processes, and is conscientious about their work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Joel Silverman: I believe that the biggest trend we will see in the job market is that job seekers are going to have to become more flexible. Not only are they going to have to think about what is going to get them a job, but what are they going to bring to the table for an employer in a rapidly changing market? How can the recent graduate bring more than just the same old legal knowledge? Do they have marketing and sales experience? How can a new attorney help a firm with their social media presence? IT experience and remote learning/educating? Technology continues to evolve and shape the way in which we practice our craft and market our skills. The new graduate has the potential for a set of skills that the employer does not have and therefore, the graduate has to make that part of their practice shine.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Legal Specialists?
Joel Silverman: We are unique, in that we are looking for team players and attorneys that want to market and learn about the business of law. For us, it is imperative that an attorney keep an open mind towards learning about more than just the law, but about psychology, business, marketing, sales and the law. We aren't looking for experts, but those that want to grow in a more wholistic sense, within the practice of law.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Brian Kohlhepp: I think that many folks have taken advantage of workplace flexibility and have sought additional education. This increased enrollment in Master's degree as well as post-graduate certificate programs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Legal Specialists?
Brian Kohlhepp: Largely, this would be acquiring a Master's degree. Many folks obtain this degree for an advancement at their current employer or in order to make themselves a more attractive candidate to the overall job field.
What technical skills for a Legal Specialist stand out to employers?
Vanessa Johnson: Data and/or statistical analysis skills, accounting / financial management skills, and coding / programming skills are the technical skills that come to mind. Many people don't think of human resources are a quantitative function, but analytical and financial skills are foundational to all corporate functions. Additionally, because of the overall influence of technology in business, basic coding / programming skills are becoming increasingly important in all corporate functions. Finally, I don't know whether or not language skills fall into the "technical skills" category, but I have seen growth in the requirement of or preference for employees that are bilingual (English and Spanish).
How have salaries changed over time for Legal Specialists?
Vanessa Johnson: Generally, I think that human resources salaries mirror the broader market, varying based on location, industry, and specialization. The growth in pay is lower in industries that have been hit hard by the pandemic. However, I think the move to more remote work will result in increased demand for, and therefore the salaries of, compensation specialists. Companies will probably adjust their pay strategies and practices to respond to these changes.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Legal Specialists?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In Michigan, to be a police officer you must have MCOLES certification and to be a correctional officer you need the MCOTC certification, which Ferris offers both for the undergraduate. We also have defensive tactics and firearms available for students as well. On the master's level, though, the degree itself works to 1) get on the ground floor of a desired job, 2) get federal employment, 3) prepare for law school, and 4) to apply to a Ph.D. program as well as 5) get promoted within the field. Thus, if an undergraduate has MCOLES certification and the master's degree, they get hired quicker than those who don't have the master's degree.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Specialists?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In our field, policing, probation, jail or prison correctional officer, or social services (whether private or public) are very good jobs, particularly if they are state employed or federally employed.
Peter Towne
Assistant Director of Career Services and Pro Bono CoordinatorNew England Law | Boston
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Peter Towne: The legal world has been fortunate in not being hit as hard by the pandemic as other sectors of the economy. As with others though, we've seen a big shift towards remote work and increased flexibility in the workplace location. Thankfully, even now with many courthouses shifting to remote hearings and appearances for the time being, the past year has proven that most legal work can be done in a remote capacity and so there are still jobs and opportunity to be had. A silver lining here as well is that anything that was litigation based and had significant slowdowns due to the initial shutdown, will still likely see consistent work increases moving forward due to the now mounting backlog in the court system that will keep litigators busy for years to come.
Also, we are likely to see other upward shifts in legal work similar to other economic down turns, as there tends to be an uptick in the kinds of legal work that helps sort out the challenges faced when things go poorly. In other words, any areas where there are widespread economic challenges, the fallout tends to create legal work. For example, we'll likely see increases in bankruptcy filings, mortgage/foreclosure related litigation, evictions/housing disputes, issues around unemployment benefits, and general consumer protection actions related to consumer debt and predatory lending practices. Interestingly, despite the challenges of the pandemic, another area that has seen consistent work is real estate, resulting from the positive impact of lower borrowing costs, and perhaps some urban flight. There also is likely to be a continued uptick in divorce filings and family law related disputes.
Long term there will inevitably be other unique or novel challenges that crop up that attorneys will be called in to assist with as a result of the current crisis. Some of these may be related to contract disputes in the entertainment industry or event planning, as well as possible changes in the insurance landscape relating to business interruption insurance, workers compensation coverage, or health insurance issues.
What technical skills for a Legal Specialist stand out to employers?
Peter Towne: In a typical law office or other legal setting, technical skills aren't the biggest priority as much of the work in the legal world was still highly analog prior to 2020. Overall, the expectations are set fairly low in this category for legal practitioners as a result, but there is a certain amount of basic skill that is assumed in using software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. The past year has created some opportunity for those that are skilled in a virtual setting, i.e. using video conferencing or knowing how to file documents electronically, to stand out.
I would encourage any law student to take advantage of the various opportunities in law school to learn as much as they can about using legal research platforms, including certifications offered by Lexis and Westlaw. Though it can be difficult to predict what methods a legal employer will use for this part of the job, the skills are easily transferrable. In a similar way, familiarity with practice management, billing, or administrative software can be an advantage. It may not be a "need to have" for a candidate to get a great job, but certainly a "nice to have" that can help boost a candidates profile.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Specialists?
Peter Towne: Out of law school, a good job can look very different depending on each person's interests and aspirations. That being said, generally a good job is one in legal practice, i.e. requires bar passage a license to practice law, or a position that requires a level of skill or knowledge that having a juris doctor degree provides an advantage, such as in compliance, regulatory affairs, corporate governance, data privacy/security, HR, or risk management.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Specialists?
Paula Smith: The first professional legal job out of law school covers every area of law and every geography. Every legal job provides opportunity for growth and experience in the profession. Students choose law firms, government agencies, and public interest jobs according to their interest and passion. Some graduates work in civil litigation, others work in criminal prosecution or criminal defense. Some choose a more client-centered practice area including family law, personal injury, or legal aid services.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Brobst: Legal job growth often follows political conflict and calls for reform. In this respect, I think there will be an array of health law positions addressing the health insurance market, in both private practice and as counsel for insurance companies or for state and federal government agencies. We also continue to see the fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, where wages for all but the highest earners never seemed to recover, only to be exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting job losses.
This current administration will probably try to address this disparity by increasing government agency middle income positions in housing, employment, and education. Lawyers will be needed to fill those new agency positions and if grant funding increases to nonprofits, then starter positions in legal advocacy nonprofits will be interesting, but lower-paid jobs for new attorneys, particularly for the reform-minded Millennials and Gen Z cadre. The international global market is more important than ever and attorneys able to be mobile may find more opportunities in the larger firms and as corporate counsel if, and when, the pandemic shutdowns finally disappear. An interesting area of increasing need will be in the medical-legal and public health fields, where an Executive Order from President Biden has already put in place a new COVID-19 board to coordinate federal public health efforts and the creation of a national public health surveillance database. Privacy attorneys and those advocating for and against expansion of traditionally local public health law into a federal oversight approach will be needed. I also think that job opportunities will continue to grow for attorneys working for the online legal technology companies like LegalZoom, as cross-jurisdictional practice relaxes, as seen in some of the reform of the Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics opinions.
Traditional job opportunities in small and medium-sized regional firms engaged, for example, in family law, small business law, and trusts and estates, may be fewer for awhile, as middle-class clients may not be able to afford legal services until their own employment situations recover. Positions in the criminal justice legal fields are more difficult to predict. Crime rates have been declining for decades, but movements against mass incarceration and racial injustice may support better resources for public defender offices that are cash-strapped and under-staffed.
Jason Cieslik
Assistant Professor & Academic Advisor of Legal StudiesIllinois State University
Department of Politics & Government
What skills stand out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Jason Cieslik: Proofread, proofread, proofread! This is one absolute that the pandemic has not changed. The legal profession places a high value on written communication. Grammatical mistakes are an easy way to guarantee that you will not receive an opportunity to interview.
Since many employers are permitting their employees to work from home, the resume should demonstrate the ability to be a self-starter, ability to resolve a problem on their own, and computer literacy. Legal professionals that have training in specific legal technology platforms should make sure they emphasize those skills on their resume. Most ABA Approved Paralegal Programs require their students to take a course in legal technology. These skills should be emphasized, especially if they are going to be expected to work from home. On the flip side, employers should be as specific as possible in their job advertisements as to what qualities and skills they are seeking in a future employee.
When applying for any legal position, the applicant should modify their resume to the job that they are applying for, emphasizing the skills and qualities that the employer is seeking. Obviously, no applicant should stretch the truth, because those "facts" will eventually become exposed. Thus, if an applicant were applying for a position as a litigation paralegal, the applicant should emphasize the discovery experience they obtained during their internship, as opposed to their familiarity with probate law.
Hanna Royce
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesUniversity of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Hanna Royce: The pandemic has shown many law firms that their employees can work successfully in a remote environment. I expect to see more remote opportunities. Job seekers also need to be prepared to convey themselves professionally through virtual interviews.
What Legal Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hanna Royce: The key to success is to add new and relevant legal experience to their resume. If graduates are not taking on full-time roles, this could mean completing document review or project work on a contract basis.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Specialist?
Hanna Royce: Graduates should keep their network active. This includes them taking the time to re-engage with the members of their network on a regular basis and continuing to make new contacts. They should make it a priority to stay in touch with their classmates and professors. They might be looking for a new position in the future, and their legal network can help them locate opportunities through the hidden job market.
Many graduates are securing remote positions. To be successful in a remote environment, employees need to make the extra effort to communicate and stay connected with colleagues. Even when employees are telecommuting, they should dress as if they are going into the office. This can help them with productivity and illustrate their professionalism when meeting with colleagues or clients.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Specialists to find work opportunities?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: For History majors we are located in an ideal part of the country. History majors interested in working in government, or in public history sites like archives, museums, and historic homes benefit from opportunities in Maryland and in D.C. Our History students often get internship experiences because we are close to many of these sites and then get hired after graduation.
Eric Sader
Lecturer, Kelley School of BusinessIndiana University Bloomington
Department of Business Law & Ethics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Specialists?
Eric Sader: Current graduates are survivors of collective trauma. Interestingly, however, this trauma for many of our graduates has resulted in increased resiliency, which can be a huge asset to future employers. These students were able to obtain positive academic outcomes despite exposure to challenging circumstances. They are flexible, pragmatic, and optimistic despite circumstances that would have preferred them fail.
They moreover carry with them the story and communal bond from this shared experience that will result in ongoing workplace comradery. But beyond their own skills, the pandemic has altered expectations students have of their employers. There are obvious factors such as remote work that our students will come to expect as an option, but more broadly students have better realized what they value in life and will expect employers to foster family, safety, and time among other accommodations that employers historically have been reluctant to provide.
What type of skills will young Legal Specialists need?
Eric Sader: The emphasis on high-level interpersonal skills is expected to continue. More than ever, graduates need to expect the unexpected in a turbulent and changing world. Those employees who best have exemplified leadership, active listening, patience, flexibility, and responsibility during recent months are assuredly ones management will look to for future promotions and advancement opportunities. Absolutely, technology is more important than ever, but what is it about personalities that we often see as "tech-savvy"? Sure, it helps to have grown up in the Internet age, but more broadly these personalities are often those who crave learning and new experiences, who are willing and eager to adapt to new modalities. And these traits are not limited to students of any age, with rewards far beyond the keyboard.
What experience really stands out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Eric Sader: Top resumes have altered over time from description-based to action-based to accomplishment-based. In short, don't tell me what you were assigned to do in any given role. That would be the same for anyone who held that position. Instead, tell me what made you shine in that capacity! What impact did you make and how can you explain that impact in a way I can measure it in reading through your resume? Tell me what that accomplishment has to say about you as a person who possesses a skill or attribute that can be put to work in my own organization. Explain in short what were you most proud of from every resume line item you decide to include.
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of HistoryUniversity of Connecticut
Department of History
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Specialists?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: The pandemic, with all the changes it brought to higher ed as well as daily life, will remain a watershed moment for many graduates, and I'm sure it has affected all of us in ways as that will only be recognized years from now. But I think there should be some optimism about the way many graduates have handled a difficult situation: they were required to adapt suddenly to a whole new way of doing things, and on the whole met those challenges successfully. Many graduates can now have confidence in their ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles in unusual circumstances, and that's a valuable lesson difficult to learn without experiencing it first-hand.
What experience really stands out on Legal Specialist resumes?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: Because so many students are encouraged to fill up their resumes with extracurricular activities, these no longer stand out as they once did, and in fact a CV with a lengthy list of organizations and clubs more likely raises a suspicion that the student was never sincerely committed to any one of them. But now I think independent extracurriculars stand out-creating something from scratch, even on a small scale, or engaging in an independent research project with a faculty member. These types pf projects demonstrate a range of qualities an employer would find attractive: having an original idea, developing a research plan or agenda, seeking support and funding, carrying out the research, and producing a result. Every college and university has some support for undergraduate research, and I think too few students, particularly in the humanities, take advantage of these opportunities. Simply having the motivation to apply for one of these is a positive indicator to a prospective employer.