SOC 23-2011
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ69/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ367,220
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$61K
$40K โ $99K
Projected Growth
๐+0.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค95/100
High exposure
๐ก Paralegals and Legal Assistants face a risk score of 69/100 โ 25 points above the national average of 44. With 95/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $61K ($15K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 69/100, Paralegals and Legal Assistants faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like large language model automation of analysis tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 367,220 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in client counseling on sensitive and complex matters and ethical judgment in adversarial situations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
E-discovery AI reducing paralegal review needs
Generative AI producing marketing and creative copy
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Client counseling on sensitive and complex matters
Ethical judgment in adversarial situations
Nuanced legal strategy in novel or precedent-setting cases
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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 case.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Document management software
Information retrieval or search software
Desktop publishing software
Categorization or classification software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Law and Government
English Language
Administrative
Computers and Electronics
Customer and Personal Service
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers | 17 | $144K | 74% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 51% |
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 61% |