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The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.2012 Paralegal Utilization and Compensation Survey1The data for this survey was collected from July 1, 2012 through August 26, 2012, via a web based survey form. Data from the survey formwas compiled and analyzed electronically. Responses are anonymous.This survey has been compiled from information provided by members of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. (“NCPA”) and otherparalegals in the State of North Carolina who are not members of NCPA. No attempt has been made by NCPA to independently verify theinformation provided to it by such persons. The information contained herein may or may not be representative of the salaries, benefits, orother job-related aspects of work as a paralegal in North Carolina. The survey is based upon information supplied to NCPA by paralegals whoresponded to the Survey Questionnaire. No expressed or implied representation, warranty, or guarantee is made by NCPA concerning theaccuracy, completeness, statistical sampling method, or use for any particular purpose of the data presented in this survey.Total Number of participants in the survey was 155. Not every participant answered all questions. The number of participants who respondedto each question is recorded below.
Table of ContentsPageRespondents/Region . 2-3Education/Certification . 3-7General Employment/Work Environment . 8-16Compensation/Benefits . 16-23Travel . 24Technology . 25-29Job Status . 30-31Association Memberships . 32-33Copyright 2012iThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Job DescriptionLegal SecretaryLegal AssistantParalegalParalegal ManagerParalegal EducatorLaw Student/Legal ClerkInternBookkeeperRunner / File Clerk 1.37.176.003.200000001.71815411.7100%Legal SecretaryPercentageLegal AssistantParalegal1.3%3.2%0.0%Paralegal Manager11.7%7.1%Paralegal EducatorLaw Student/Legal ClerkInternBookkeeperRunner / File Clerk /76.0%ReceptionistOtherAge of RespondentsResponses02815192116441513153Under 2121-2526-3031-3536-4041-4546-5051-5556-60Over 00%SexMaleFemaleTotalResponses2140142Copyright 2012Percentage1.498.6100%2The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
In what county do you work? (The top five counties are MaconMecklenburgMooreNew yWakeWilsonYork, at General Education do you have (excluding paralegal education)?High School/GEDSome CollegeAssociate’s DegreeBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s ge3.31524.8449.027.19.65100%What law-related educational background do you have?No formal trainingOn-the-job trainingParalegal classes(not in a formal paralegal program)Paralegal certificateAssociate’s degree paralegal programBachelor’s degree paralegal programPost-Baccalaureate paralegal program(earned after a Bachelor’s degree in another field)Master’s degree paralegal programLaw SchoolOtherTotalCopyright 3.993.92149.1602215301.31.3100%The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Are you a North Carolina Certified Paralegal(NCCP), certified by the North Carolina State BarBoard of Paralegal ePercentage72.7327.27100%27%YesNo73%If yes, were you grandfathered in through educationand/or experience or did you take the NCCP examthrough the NC State Board of Paralegal 11Percentage85.614.4100%Have you ever taken the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)or Certified Paralegal (CP) exam through the NationalAssociation of Legal Assistants (NALA)?YesNoNo, but considering 100%If you have taken the exam, how many of thetotal five sections have you passed?NoneOneTwoThreeFourAll FiveNot reeFourAll Five70.3%Not ApplicableCopyright 20124The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
If you have obtained the CLA/CP designation, have you also achievedeither the Certified Legal Assistant Specialist (CLAS) designation or theAdvanced Paralegal Certification (ACP – not APC) designation?CLASACPNeither, but considering itNot 3.6100%If you obtained the CLAS, in what legal specialty orspecialties have you obtained this certification?(116 Respondents. There are more responses here becauseeach specialty was recorded as one response, but a singlerespondent could have chosen more than one answer.)Responses PercentageCivil Litigation43.45Corporation and54.31Business LawCriminal00Probate21.72Real Estate97.76Bankruptcy00Intellectual Property00Not Applicable10086.2--Total Responses120Percentage is based on number of Respondents,not Responses.Percentage3.45%4.31%Civil Litigation0%1.72%7.76%0%0%Corporation / Business LawCriminalProbateReal EstateBankruptcy86.2%Intellectual PropertyNot ApplicableCopyright 20125The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
If you obtained the ACP, in what area(s) do you have advanced certification?(110 Respondents. There are more responses here because each specialtywas recorded as one response, but a single respondent could have chosenmore than one answer.)Responses PercentageContracts Management/1.9Contracts Administration1.9Discovery1.9Trial Practice00Alternative Dispute ResolutionPersonal Injury –00Core CoursePersonal Injury –00Eight Practice Area Courses1.9Criminal Litigation21.8Real Estate Principles00Land Use21.8Trademarks00Commercial BankruptcyBusiness Organization:1.9Incorporated EntitiesBusiness Organization:1.9Non-corporate Entities00Social Security Disability10292.7Not Applicable112----Total ResponsesPercentage is based on number of Respondents, not Responses.Have you ever taken the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Inc.?YesNoNo, but considering itTotalResponses013019149Percentage087.212.8100%If yes, have you ever taken the Paralegal AdvancedCompetency Exam (PACE)?YesNoNo, but considering itTotalCopyright 2012Responses0841296Percentage087.512.5100%6The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Would you be interested in an NCCP/CLA/CP review courseto assist in preparing for the state or national paralegal exam,as well as counting toward CLE .5100%If yes, how many times a year would you like the reviewcourse to be age16.160.923100%In what location would you prefer to attend a review course?Eastern NCCentral NCWestern NCOtherNot 633.5914.5034.35100%PercentageIf you are a student or new paralegal, would you likea paralegal mentor?YesNoNot .4878.91100%13.61%7.48%No78.91%Copyright %7Not ApplicablePercentageIf you are a working paralegal or paralegal educator,would you be willing to mentor a student or newparalegal?YesNoNot ApplicableTotalYes23.77%42.66%33.57%YesNoNot ApplicableThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Total year(s) of experience as a paralegal/legal assistant.Less than 1 year1-5 years6-10 years11-15 years16-20 years21-25 years26-30 yearsOver 30 6912.5912.5914.6815.3816.789.810.49100%Where did you find your current position?Classified AdNewspaperSolicited ResumeUnsolicited ResumeEmployment AgencySchool placement officeInternshipList serveJob fairFederal Work StudyNCPA Career CenterGuilford ParalegalAssociation Job BankInternetNetworking (includingfriends, family, co-workers,other professionals, 9.585337.061143.7100%Percentage1.39%Classified Ad11.88%2.1%NewspaperSolicited Resume37.06%Unsolicited Resume7.7%Employment AgencySchool placement office11.19%InternshipList serveJob fair1.4%Federal Work Study3.5%19.58%0.7%NCPA Career Center0.7%Guilford Paralegal Assn Job Bank0.7%Internet0.7%Networking (including friends, family, co-workers, other professionals, etc.)Self-employed0.7%Copyright 20128The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
In what environment do you work?Private FirmGovernment(Federal, State, Local)CorporationNon-profitHealth/Medical FieldBankInsurance CompanyLegal ServicesEducational 1.35.68100%In which area of law do you primarily work? (150 Respondents. There are more responses here becauseeach area of law was recorded as one response, but a single respondent could have chosen multipleanswers.) The top five areas of law are kruptcyCivilCommercial alCourt obate/TrustFamilyHealth CareImmigrationInsuranceCopyright ellectual Property/Patent6International l Malpractice9Non-profit Corporation,14Foundation, or Association--Personal Injury/Disability22Product Liability6Real Estate – Residential26Real Estate - Commercial22Securities/Antitrust5Social Security5Student3Tax5Worker’s Compensation10Other19Total Responses570(Percentage is based on numberof Respondents, not Responses.)The North Carolina Paralegal Association, 4.673.333.332.003.336.6712.67----
Time spent with your current employer.Less than 1 year1-5 years6-10 years11-15 years16-20 years21-25 years26-30 yearsOver 30 426.3522.314.196.766.764.051.35100%Do you have promotion potential in your presentfirm or company?YesNoDon’t .81100%How many attorneys work in your office?5 or less6-1011-2021-4950-74Greater than 13.7912.412.078.97100%How many paralegals work in your office?5 or less6 to 1011 to 2021 to 4950 to 74Greater than 75TotalCopyright .91.42.8100%10The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
1.4%4.9%2.8%Percentage5 or less6 to 109.09%11 to 2021 to 4916.78%50 to 7465.03%Greater than 75How many support staff work in your office? (secretaries,paralegals, runners, reception, copy center, billingdepartment, IS/IT, Human Resources, etc.)5 or less6-1011-2021-4950-74Greater than 2.596.297.694.9100%How many attorneys or individuals do you report toor regularly assist?12-56-10Over 10Not directly assignedto any attorney(s)or individual (s)TotalCopyright 6-1052.74%Over 10N/AThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
What type of secretarial support do you have?Responses113031103148Personal secretaryShare a secretary with paralegalsShare a secretary with attorneysWord processing/secretarial 100%What is your office space?Responses14413114229222146Open areaCubicle in open areaPartitioned space onlyShare office with anotherPrivate office with windowPrivate office with no windowWork from homeWork from home and .871.371.371.37100%Are you in a supervisory position?Yes, over other paralegalsYes, over other staffYes, over other paralegals and staffI am in law office 26.852.742.0684.93100%By whom are you supervised?One or more attorneysOffice administratorParalegal managerManagement committeeDepartment headGeneral CounselNo overall supervisionOtherTotalCopyright 8.282.762.764.13100%12The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Describe how you receive work assignments.From within specific departmentsFrom one or more specific attorneysFrom attorneys at largeFor certain types of mattersFrom paralegal managerFrom office administratorNo definite assignment %From within specific departments9.79%From one or more specific attorneys8.39%1.39%From attorneys at large2.8%For certain types of matters7%10.49%55.24%From paralegal managerFrom office administratorNo definite assignment structureOtherCopyright 201213The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Which of the following job duties do you perform? (146 Respondents. There are more responses herebecause each task was recorded as one response, but a single respondent could have chosen multipletasks.) The top five job duties are highlighted.Documentation preparation, drafting, and/or reviewDrafting correspondenceClient conferences/witness interviewsDeposition preparation, scheduling and/or attendanceLegal, medical, or general researchTitle searches/legal descriptionsTrial preparation, including exhibits and/or attendanceat court hearings and conferencesWord processingFile maintenancePreparation of billingTimekeeping for self and/or attorney(s)Library maintenanceTracking legislationPrepare closing packagesTravel arrangementsSecretarial supportMessenger runsCourthouse or other gPreparation of tax returnsUCC searchesObtaining EINsInformation Systems/Information Technology supportDatabase MaintenanceOtherTotal Responses(Percentage is based on number of Respondents, not 3.4224.6518.4918.4931.505.47-----Does your employer provide a receptionist?YesYes, but not theirprimary taskNoTotalCopyright %14The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Does your employer provide a runner/messenger?YesYes, but not theirprimary .27100%Does your employer provide a person to manageclosed files?YesYes, but not theirprimary 8.91100%PercentageHow are your closed files maintained?Hard ntage38.62128.2877145Hard copy38.62%Scanned electronically53.1%53.10100%8.28%BothDoes your employer provide an in-house copycenter with specific staff hired to manage and/orwork only in the copy 2.07100%Does your employer provide a fireproof safefor original wills and estate planning documents?YesNoTotalResponses5773130Copyright 2012Percentage43.8556.15100%15The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Do you attend client meetings, depositions, hearings,mediations, or trials?Yes, frequentlyYes, 4146.2633.33100%Do you represent clients at administrative hearings?Yes, frequentlyYes, .0897.23100%PercentageDo you bill your 8100%Yes48.82%51.18%NoIf so, what is your hourly billing rate?Less than 50.00 50.00 - 75.00 76.00 - 100.00 101.00 - 125.00 126.00 - 150.00Over 13.1132.7921.319.84100%PercentageAre you required to bill a certain numberof hours per year?YesNoTotalResponses20112132Copyright 201215.15%Percentage15.1584.85100%Yes84.85%16NoThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
PercentageIf yes, what is the required goal?Less than 10001000 – 12501251 – 1500Over 5%Less than 10001000 – 125025%1251 – 150035%Over 1500What is your gross salary?Responses21091718161811119520146Less than 20,000 20,000 - 24,999 25,000 - 29,999 30,000 - 34,999 35,000 - 39,999 40,000 - 44,999 45,000 - 49,999 50,000 - 54,999 55,000 - 59,999 60,000 - 64,999 65,000 - 69,999 70,000 and %13.7%3.42%6.16%11.65%7.53%12.33%7.53%12.33% 10.96%Less than 20,000 20,000 - 24,999 25,000 - 29,999 30,000 - 34,999 35,000 - 39,999 40,000 - 44,999 45,000 - 49,999 50,000 - 54,999 55,000 - 59,999 60,000 - 64,999 65,000 - 69,999 70,000 and aboveWhat is the average number of hours you work per week?Under 35 a week35-4041-5051-6061 or .093.420100%How frequently do you work in excess of employer’snormal working hours?Almost every dayAt least once weeklyAt least once monthlyRarely or neverTotalCopyright 9.31100%17The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Are you classified as exempt or rcentage32.667.4100%Are you compensated for overtime?AlwaysSometimesNeverNot 7.4826.5311.57100%If you answered “always” or “sometimes” to the previousquestion, is the compensation in the form of:MoneyTime offCombination of moneyand time 827.552.04100%PercentageDo you receive an annual bonus, monetaryor 640.14100%Yes40.14%59.86%Copyright 201218NoThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
If yes, what is your bonus based on?Firm/company successPercentage of salaryMerit/performance/evaluationHolidayBillable hoursYears of serviceThe General AssemblyManaging partner/personal attorneyCombination of companyand/or personal performanceand/or years of tage2.19%3.3%7.69%3.3%3.3%37.36%0%18.68%12.09% 12.09%Firm/company successPercentage of salaryMerit / performance / evaluationHolidayBillable hoursYears of serviceThe General AssemblyManaging partner / personal attyCombinationOtherIf you receive a bonus, what is the average amount ofyour bonus?Less than 500 500 - 999 1000 - 1499 1500 - 2999 3000 - 4999 5000 and aboveTotalCopyright 0.9829.264.88100%19The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
If you receive a non-monetary bonus, what type ofbonus is it?Responses78318Gift cardExtra vacation ageHave you received a raise in the past 6100%37.24%62.76%YesNoIf yes, what was the percentage increase?Less than 3%3-5%5-9%10-15%Above 6.671.11100%If you have received a raise in the last year, what wasthe dollar increase?Less than 1000 1000 - 2999 3000 - 4999 5000 - 6999 7000 and 02.223.33100%Do you participate in pro bono work?YesNoTotalCopyright 2012Responses37110147Percentage25.1774.83100%20The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
What benefits are paid in whole or in part by your employer? (146 Respondents. There are moreresponses here because each benefit was recorded as one response, but a single respondent could havechosen multiple answers.) The top five benefits are highlighted.ResponsesHealth insurance124Dental insurance75Vision insurance63Life insurance94Maternity leave42Short-term disability59Long-term disability54Parking36Child care4Exercise/wellness facility17Pension/profit sharing45401(k) or IRA94Employee stock10purchase plan (ESPP)--Stock options4Flexible Spending plan42Tuition esponsesFree representation on24personal legal matters--Leased or firm-owned vehicle0Laptop25Cell phone9Blackberry9SmartPhone9(iPhone, Droid, etc.)--iPad3Kindle0Family benefits41(Health insurance, etc.)--Flexible schedule54Work from home30Other4Total Reponses1007(Percentage is based on numberof Respondents, not Responses.)If your firm offers a pension, profit sharing, 401(k),IRA, or other savings plan, do you participate in it?YesNoNo, but plan 00%PercentageDoes your employer contribute to a pension,profit sharing, 401(k), IRA, or other savingsplan on your 80.1419.86100%Yes80.14%NoIf your employer does contribute, what percentage of yoursalary is their contribution based on?A percentage of my salaryFlat amountMatches a portion of myown contributionOtherTotalCopyright 41100%21The North Carolina Paralegal Association, 36.9920.552.74----
PercentageHow many paid all purpose days off per yeardo you receive (including vacation, sick. personal,holidays, ater than .918.4923.9817.1223.98100%None1 to 523.98%6 to 1018.49%17.12%11 to 1516 to 2023.98%21 to 25Greater than 25Is this paid time off 135.29100%If yes, what is the maximum number of daysthat are accruable?1-56-10Greater than 00%Which of the following are provided by your employer?(122 Respondents. There are more responses here becauseeach category was recorded as one response, but a singlerespondent could have chosen multiple answers.)ResponsesPercentageIn-house CLE/seminars5040.98Outside CLE/seminars21.64Career path programs108.2Paralegal retreat86.56Paralegal and staff retreat97.38Gift and/or lunch for5746.72Admin. Professionals DayHoliday luncheons7057.38Personal Days5242.62Part-time employment2117.21Other43.28Total Responses283----Percentage is based on number of Respondents, not Responses.Copyright 201222The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
For what expenses are you reimbursed, in whole or in part, relatingto association meetings and seminars? (140 Respondents. There aremore responses here because each category was recorded as oneresponse, but a single respondent could have chosen multiple answers.)ResponsesPercentageMembership dues9064.29Certification testing fee(s)4431.43Seminar 4Total Responses527----Percentage is based on number of Respondents, not Responses.When attending seminars, are you required to takepersonal 7100%In providing reimbursement for seminars, does your employer:Have a set budget onlyHave a range to work withDecide on acase-by-case basisMy employer does notreimburse for .512619.40134100%PercentageHave a set budget only19.4%16.42%Have a range to work with15.67%Decide on a case-by-casebasis48.51%Copyright 2012Employer does notreimburse23The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Do you travel on the job?Yes, frequentlyYes, 41.7854.8100%If you travel, what is the average number of daysper year that you travel?1-56-10Over 0%Where do you travel?Within NC onlyThroughout the southeastThroughout the e71.435.7122.860100%When traveling, for which expenses are you reimbursed?(69 Respondents. There are more responses here becauseeach category was recorded as one response, but a singlerespondent could have chosen multiple answers.)Responses ge6797.1Meals4159.42Other22.9Total Responses189----Percentage is based on number of Respondents,not Responses.Copyright ionMileage55.07%97.1%MealsOtherThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Does your employer have an internalInformation Systems/InformationTechnology person or centage62.5937.41100%Yes37.41%62.59%NoIf so, do they offer 9.7100If yes, what kind of training is offered? (73 Respondents.There are more responses here because each category wasrecorded as one response, but a single respondent couldhave chosen multiple answers.)Responses Percentage2736.98Orientation1317.80Training ManualOrientation and1926.02Training Manual4967.12Periodic training classesOne-on-one training4156.16as needed4967.12Help Desk phone support22.73Web-based training200----TotalPercentage is based on number of Respondents,not ionTraining ManualOrientation and Training Manual26.02%56.16%67.12%Periodic training classesOne-on-one trainingHelp Desk phone supportWeb-based trainingCopyright 201225The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Does your employer provide you remote access from home?YesNoNo, but considering 0%Does your employer have an internal Intranet website?YesNoNo, but considering PercentageDoes your employer keep backups of electronic files inan off-site location, such as a disaster recovery buildingand/or through an Internet “cloud” software, such asCarbonite, Mozy, or another external backup program?YesNoNo, but considering itDon’t %No, but considering itDon’t knowDoes your employer use a metadata software programthat strips identifying information and all draft versionsfrom electronic documents to maintain confidentialityand integrity before sending files via email?YesNoNo, but considering itDon’t .1731.94100%31.94% 34.03%NoNo, but considering it4.17%29.86%Don’t knowDoes your employer use any of the following officemanagement software, and if so, which program(s)?ResponsesPercentageElite Information Systems56.67Other912.00None45.33Don’t Know5776.00Total Responses75100%Categories with only one response are included in Other.Copyright 201226The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Does your employer use any of the following case managementsoftware, and if so, which programs(s)? (92 Respondents.There are more responses here because each program wasrecorded as one response, but a single respondent could havechosen multiple answers.)ResponsesPercentageAbacus Law33.26Amicus Attorney55.43Case Notebook22.17Collection racticeMaster55.43ProLaw44.34Summation1010.86Time Matters88.69Other1111.95None44.34Don’t know4043.47Total Responses103----Percentage is based on number of Respondents,not Responses. Categories with only one responseare included in %43.47%5.43%4.34%10.86%4.34%Copyright 201211.95%8.69%27Abacus LawAmicus AttorneyCase NotebookCollection ummationTime MattersOtherNoneDon’t knowThe North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
Does your employer use any of the following documentmanagement software, and if so, which programs(s)?Responses PercentageHotDocs22.86Hummingbird DM /912.86PC DOCSWorldox710.00Other57.14None34.28Don’t know4462.86Total Responses70100%Categories with only one response are included in Other.Does your employer use any of the following timekeepingsoftware, and if so, which programs(s)?Responses PercentageClient Profiles (Aderant)33.9Juris Suite33.9Orion22.6PC Law22.6Quickbooks22.6TABS or Tabs e1519.48Timeslips79.09Other911.68None33.9Don’t know3140.25Total Responses77100%Categories with only one response are included in Other.Percentage3.9%3.9%2.6%Client Profiles (Aderant)2.6%Juris Suite2.6%OrionPC Law40.25%Quickbooks19.48%TABS or Tabs eTimeslips9.09%3.9%Other11.68%NoneDon’t knowCopyright 201228The North Carolina Paralegal Associa
Are you a North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP), certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification? Responses Percentage Yes 112 72.73 No 42 27.27 Total 154 100% If yes, were you grandfathered in through education and/or experience or did you take the NCCP exam through the NC State Board of Paralegal Certification?
