Are paralegals generally paid more then secretaries?
Usually yes. But the pay scale isn’t that much higher and the work load isn’t that much different. Many secretaries fulfil the role of paralegal in firms. They do calling, scheduling, drafting of pleadings, etc. But if you’re talking larger defense firms, then paralegals have a higher responsibility and work load and a higher pay scale. I made $10,000 more as a paralegal than a secretary and my work load definitely increased. I see the above poster mentioned that secretaries answer the phones and do menial work. I have yet to see a situation where that’s accurate. I’ve never seen a paralegal be responsible for an attorney’s calendar. I’ve seen secretaries and paralegals work together and have weekly calendar meetings to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Answering phones was something I never did. Lots of editing of documents and such.
