Harrisburg Paralegal Jobs Overview
Attorneys—especially those at bigger firms—can’t do it all on their own. Essential members of their teams often include paralegals. However, these roles should not be confused with legal secretaries, who only handle day-to-day admin duties and customer-service tasks.
As defined by the American Bar Association (ABA), a paralegal is a professional “who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Hence, paralegal jobs encompass a variety of work that’s more directly involved with supervising attorneys or lawyers, such as preparing affidavits and legal correspondence, filing pleadings, responding to discovery requests, researching case-related information, and recapping depositions and trial transcripts.
And now’s a great time to pursue this career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is forecasting a 12% growth outlook over the next decade for paralegal jobs, which is faster than the average for all occupations, as law firms and other companies keep hiring more paralegals to increase productivity and cost-effectiveness.
You can expand your search for legal jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The historic city of Harrisburg has been Pennsylvania's state capital since 1812. Magnificently situated on the Susquehanna River and set against the Blue Ridge mountains, Harrisburg offers a combination of urban sophistication with natural beauty and small-town charm. The city is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania because of its affordable housing market, strong economy, and high quality of life. It's no surprise that people come here looking for Harrisburg jobs.
Having played a significant role in the American Civil War and the Industrial revolution, you'll find plenty of historical attractions in Harrisburg. Visit the neoclassical Pennsylvania State Capitol building, the National Civil War Museum, or the Fort Hunter Mansion to learn about the city's rich history. Take a trip to the State Museum of Pennsylvania to see some of the state's most fascinating discoveries in paleontology and archaeology, including the restored 12,000-year-old mastodon skeleton unearthed in the nearby Marshalls Creek.
You'll find lots to do in and around Harrisburg if you love the outdoors. The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise is one of the only paddle-wheel riverboats still in operation in the U.S. and offers incredible views of the city. Within easy driving distance of Harrisburg, you can also visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, Hershey Park, and Amish Country.
Furthermore, the overall cost of living in Harrisburg is significantly lower than the U.S. average. You can also find plenty of job opportunities in nearby Allentown, York, and Lancaster.
Update Your Harrisburg Paralegal Resume
Your paralegal resume should open with a compact, hard-hitting objective. When writing this, think of it as arguing your case—a compelling opening statement, so to speak. You can also opt for a career summary instead, if you’d prefer. After that, it’s important that you give specific examples of your accomplishments and quantify your achievements (e.g., how big were your previous caseloads and how fast were you able to finish respective tasks?). Take a look at our paralegal resume sample for more pointers.
Additionally, try sending a persuasive cover letter with your application, as it will help your candidacy if you do it right. Need some guidance? Then review our example of a well-written cover letter for paralegals.
How Much Do Paralegal Jobs Pay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in paralegal jobs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median paralegal pay in Harrisburg is $47,391 per year, which is 2% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Harrisburg Paralegal Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in paralegal? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those paralegal jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Harrisburg, how to nail your job interview, and more.