Questions to Ask a Paralegal About Their Job
Insightful questions to understand the paralegal career path, daily responsibilities, required skills, and whether the role is right for you.
1What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
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What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
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Why this works
Provides realistic context on workflow, tasks, and time allocation.
2What practice area do you work in, and how does that shape your responsibilities?
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What practice area do you work in, and how does that shape your responsibilities?
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Why this works
Clarifies specialization and whether litigation, corporate, or other areas suit your interests.
3What skills are most important for success as a paralegal?
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What skills are most important for success as a paralegal?
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Why this works
Helps you assess readiness and identify areas to develop.
4How did you get into this career, and what education or certifications did you pursue?
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How did you get into this career, and what education or certifications did you pursue?
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Why this works
Reveals common entry paths and whether formal credentials are necessary.
5What's the most rewarding part of your job?
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What's the most rewarding part of your job?
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Why this works
Shows what brings satisfaction and meaning to the work.
6What's the most challenging or frustrating aspect of being a paralegal?
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What's the most challenging or frustrating aspect of being a paralegal?
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Why this works
Surfaces pain points and whether you're prepared for the realities.
7How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how much is directed by attorneys?
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How much autonomy do you have in your work, and how much is directed by attorneys?
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Why this works
Clarifies independence level and whether you'll drive projects or execute tasks.
8What does work-life balance look like, especially during busy trial or deal periods?
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What does work-life balance look like, especially during busy trial or deal periods?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for hours and whether the role is sustainable long-term.
9How do you interact with clients, and what role do paralegals play in client relationships?
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How do you interact with clients, and what role do paralegals play in client relationships?
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Why this works
Shows whether you'll have client contact or work behind the scenes.
10What technology and legal software do you use regularly?
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What technology and legal software do you use regularly?
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Why this works
Reveals tools you'll need to learn and whether the firm invests in modern systems.
11How does career advancement work for paralegals—senior paralegal, team lead, or something else?
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How does career advancement work for paralegals—senior paralegal, team lead, or something else?
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Why this works
Clarifies growth potential and whether upward mobility exists.
12Do you feel valued and respected by attorneys and leadership?
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Do you feel valued and respected by attorneys and leadership?
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Why this works
Assesses culture and whether paralegals are seen as partners or support staff.
13What's the salary range for paralegals at your firm or in your area?
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What's the salary range for paralegals at your firm or in your area?
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Why this works
Provides compensation context and whether the pay is livable.
14How does your firm support professional development and continuing education?
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How does your firm support professional development and continuing education?
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Why this works
Shows whether learning is encouraged and resourced.
15What's the typical workload and deadline pressure like?
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What's the typical workload and deadline pressure like?
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Why this works
Clarifies stress levels and whether multitasking is manageable or overwhelming.
16Have you ever considered going to law school, and what keeps you in the paralegal role?
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Have you ever considered going to law school, and what keeps you in the paralegal role?
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Why this works
Explores whether paralegal work is a stepping stone or a destination career.
17What advice would you give someone considering becoming a paralegal?
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What advice would you give someone considering becoming a paralegal?
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Why this works
Invites reflection and practical wisdom from someone living the role.
18How do you stay organized and manage competing priorities?
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How do you stay organized and manage competing priorities?
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Why this works
Reveals systems and habits that help paralegals succeed.
19What's the biggest misconception people have about what paralegals do?
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What's the biggest misconception people have about what paralegals do?
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Why this works
Corrects stereotypes and clarifies the real scope of the work.
20What do you wish you'd known before starting this career?
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What do you wish you'd known before starting this career?
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Why this works
Surfaces lessons learned and prepares you for surprises.
Exploring the Paralegal Career
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.