While there are different visa types in business immigration, my team is primarily focused on NIVs (non-immigrant visas). So most of my workload involves preparing petitions to extend statuses of H-1B and H-4 visa holders; however, I occasionally prepare petitions for F-1 visas. Throughout the day, I answer questions from our client's foreign national employees, which may vary from status updates of their pending petitions to questions about international travel, based on firm polices.
CAREER
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$60,970
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+14.1% (faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Paralegals and Legal Assistants Do
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Other Job Titles Paralegals and Legal Assistants May Have
Immigration Paralegal, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk, Legal Processing Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
As a Senior Paralegal at Travelers my daily duties include drafting motions, discovery and ARB submissions. I also work on declaratory judgments and schedule EUOs. I assist the attorneys with research and projects as a situation arises.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (37%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Certification / License
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Bachelor
Political Science and Government, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Ability to seek out knowledge and ask questions about task processes, problem solve using provided resources, and communicate concisely, primarily in writing.
Being open minded and understanding that everyone's job has value regardless of what their title is.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Internships.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
