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20 Paralegal Specializations: Where You Could Work and What You May Do

Paralegals are important members of the legal team. Working under the supervision of a licensed attorney, a paralegal may conduct legal research, prepare documents, manage case files, and help prepare for trial, closing, or other legal proceedings. Paralegals may specialize in specific areas of law, such as litigation, healthcare, personal injury, or insurance.

To help you choose the paralegal specialty that best matches your interests and career goals, we've compiled a list of 20 specializations* to consider:


Paralegal specialization Where they may work Types of work they may do
Bankruptcy Law Private law firm, financial institution, corporate legal department Prepare bankruptcy petitions, gather financial records, research claims
Civil Rights Private law firm, nonprofit organization, government agency Research civil rights laws, prepare documents, interview witnesses
Corporate / Business Law Corporate office, financial institution, private law firm Manage contracts, organize documents for mergers and acquisitions, ensure regulatory compliance
Criminal Law Criminal defense law firms, prosecutor and public defender offices, government agency Review evidence, organize case files, run background checks, prepare court documents, assist with trial preparation
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Corporate office, technology company, law firm, government agency Research privacy laws and regulations, review policies and contracts
Elder Law Law firm, legal aid organization Assist with guardianships, powers of attorney, long-term care benefits, and other legal issues
Employment Law Corporate office, government agency, law firm Conduct research, draft documents, file documents, organize documentation
Environmental Law Law firm, corporate office, government agency, nonprofit organization Research environmental regulations, prepare documents, draft and file permits, coordinate with environmental consultants and regulatory bodies
Estate Planning and Probate Law firm, financial institution Draft legal documents, organize financial information, manage probate and trust administration
Family Law Law firm, government agency, legal aid organization Draft documents, maintain calendars, support trial preparation
Healthcare Law Law firm, hospital legal department, insurance company, government agency Research healthcare regulations, review contracts, organize medical records, analyze policy language, assist with medical claims disputes
Immigration Law Law firm, corporate office, nonprofit organization, government agency Prepare immigration forms and petitions, track case deadlines, organize case files
Insurance Law Insurance company, law firm, corporate office Review claims and policies, organize medical or financial records, assist with disputes
Intellectual Property Law Law firm, corporate office, technology company, university Prepare applications and filings, manage IP portfolios, track deadlines
Litigation Law firm, corporate office, government agency Conduct research, manage discovery and evidence, prepare court filings
Military Law Military legal office, government agency, law firm Conduct research, assist with case files, organize documentation
Personal Injury Law Law firm Gather medical and accident records, organize evidence, prepare settlement documents
Real Estate Law Law firm, title company, corporate office, government agency Review property and title records, prepare transaction documents, assist with closing, support property disputes
Tax Law Law firm, accounting firm, corporate office, government agency Conduct research into tax laws and regulations, organize financial documentation, assist with audits, appeals, or other tax-related transactions
Workers’ Compensation Law Law firm, insurance company, corporate office, government agency Organize medical and employment records, prepare claim documents, track deadlines, assist with hearings and appeals

*This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of paralegal specializations, but rather a representation of some traditional practice areas you may encounter as a paralegal.

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