📰 First Issue – “The State of the Paralegal Profession in 2025: What You Need to Know”
The Paralegal Profession in 2025: Hiring Trends, Skills Gaps & What Comes Next
The legal industry is changing—and fast. As we look ahead in 2025, paralegals and legal operations professionals are at the center of that change.
Here are key trends and takeaways shaping the field right now:
📈 1. Demand Is Growing—But Expectations Are Higher
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant roles are projected to grow 4% over the next decade. But employers are seeking more than just legal knowledge—they want strategic thinkers, tech-savvy communicators and collaborative leaders.
💼 2. Core Competencies Are Evolving
AAfPE and NALA have identified essential skills for today’s paralegals, including:
Tech fluency (eDiscovery, case management software, AI tools)
Communication and critical thinking
Professionalism and adaptability
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the baseline for success in modern legal environments.
🧩 3. Placement Gaps Are Real
Legal educators and associations must work together with employers to:
Strengthen job readiness
Expand internship pipelines
Create advisory boards and mentorship programs
🔧 What This Means for You:
If you’re a firm leader, consider how your team is developing talent.
If you’re a paralegal, invest in your skill set—and advocate for your value.
If you’re an educator, your curriculum is the key to preparing the next generation.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into these themes with tools, stories, and strategies you can use.
What trend are you seeing in your workplace? Hit reply and let’s start the conversation.
Until next time,
Kristine