What everybody ought to know about the paralegal profession.

By Erin Jourdan

Don't let the lack of screen time on legal dramas like Law & Order fool you. Paralegals are people too, making up a very vital and well-compensated profession.

Here are five good reasons to become a paralegal.

1. Quick Training
Becoming a paralegal is a walk in the park when compared to becoming a lawyer.

Study online or on campus and earn an associate's degree in paralegal studies in just two years, or a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies in four years. Or, if you already have a degree, you may be able to finish a paralegal certificate program in only a few months!

2. High Salary
Paralegals have amazing paycheck potential, with corporate paralegals earning an average annual salary of $61,764. In fact, according to Paralegal Today, "Larger law firms may pay over $100,000 annually with benefits depending on experience."

Bottom line: For those looking for more pay and more upside, Money magazine listed paralegals as the 14th best job out there.

3. Job Growth
Paralegals are in demand like never before and their responsibilities are growing too as they assume more work typically done by lawyers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow 22 percent through 2016.

4. Variety
Different cases present different challenges in this dynamic profession.

Paralegals use a wide-range of skills, including doing "detective work" and researching laws, statutes, judicial decisions, and legal articles that help win in court. Paralegals also help draft pleadings and motions, obtain affidavits, and assist in organizing case materials for trial.

5. Excitement
Working on a case can be a real thrill-ride, especially as it goes to trial.

Brian Witzer, who owns a litigation-focused law firm in Hollywood said, "When we are at trial, the whole office is at trial. Everyone is working on the case. Paralegals provide the organizational support needed to have a successful court date."

Whether working in commercial law, intellectual property, litigation, or real estate, on behalf of the government, a corporation, small community or client, the work of a paralegal is never dull.

New lawsuits and legal challenges are generated daily and continue to test and redefine the law, keeping this career fresh and upwardly mobile.

Find Paralegal career training programs taught in your area or online.