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Administrative Support Personnel, Office Personnel
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $28.30 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $36.59 |
| Top | $44.38 |
Interest in compiling information when searching for and studying records and documents
Interest in assisting lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, and arranging for trials
Interest in researching records, court files and other legal documents, and assembling documentary evidence
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Working alongside one or more lawyers, paralegals:
Some paralegals may specialize in specific areas, such as corporate law, litigation, securities, trademarks and patents, reals estate, environmental law, immigration, family law, bankruptcy, entertainment law or intellectual property law. Paralegals have a billable rate and may have their own assistant.
Paralegals may work in an office or remote environment. They usually work a standard work week but must be prepared to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Paralegals need:
Since much of their work concerns clients' private affairs, paralegals need to:
They should enjoy compiling information, working with people and exploring things in depth.
Paralegals need related post-secondary education or equivalent experience. Strong keyboarding, writing, editing, word processing and computer skills are required. Training in the Corporate Registry computer System (CORES) may be required for paralegals working in corporate services areas.
Students may be required to submit a criminal record check prior to practicum placement.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Prior to enrolling in a formal training program, prospective students should contact the program(s) of their choice, the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta Branch), the Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals, legal recruiters and/or a sampling of law firms and other potential employers to investigate the suitability of specific programs and current employment prospects for graduates.
The Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals and the Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) offer professional development opportunities for those already employed in non-lawyer legal positions.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers in law firms, in court systems and in the legal departments of large organizations. Graduates of legal assistant and paralegal studies education programs usually are hired as legal assistants. Full paralegal status and responsibility usually requires several years of additional work experience.
Advancement opportunities are limited in this occupation. However, with considerable experience (for example, a minimum of 5 years and a paralegal diploma), paralegals may work independently rather than under the direction and supervision of one or more lawyers. In such positions, they may assist with routine legal services (for example, providing assistance to self-represented litigants or working as independent consultants to law firms) but cannot give legal advice.
Paralegals are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4211: Paralegal and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 4211: Paralegal and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the 77 new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for legal assistants and paralegals vary considerably depending on location, employer and the person's qualifications.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.46 | $41.54 | $28.30 | $27.66 |
| Overall | $22.46 | $51.92 | $36.59 | $35.21 |
| Top | $26.00 | $62.31 | $44.38 | $44.45 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $69,637 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,510 |
| Public Administration | $68,106 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $60,047 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $43,866 |
Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals (AAPP) website: www.alberta-paralegal.com
Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) website: lesaonline.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 05, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.