How did the paralegal profession grow in the United States?

The paralegal profession in the United States emerged in the late 1960s, driven by a collaborative effort between the legal profession and Congress to increase public access to legal services.1

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, support attorneys by performing tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, and preparing legal arguments, though they are prohibited from providing legal advice or representing clients in court.21

The profession has experienced significant growth in the 21st century, characterized by an above-average occupational growth rate. This expansion is largely attributed to employers seeking to improve efficiency and reduce costs by delegating tasks previously performed by lawyers to paralegals. While training for these roles was historically conducted on the job, it is now common for individuals to pursue formal certificates or degrees through community colleges or universities.12