The days of $1,000 per hour is long gone for paralegals in Jamaica. That is though the highly skilled and good ones.
Ideally in Jamaica paralegals train so that they can work with attorneys. In some cases, paralegals are the backbone for lawyers. However, over time more paralegals work part time or freelance. They are finding it financially challenging to maintain their livelihood and to feel a sense of pride to be a part of the legal world.
Its the paralegal who does the harder work claims some of them. So how is it “we do so much get so little and for attorneys who haul in high and unbelievable sums”. The reasons cited by lawyers are the great deal of time studying, the level of skill and knowledge, fees paid sacrificially for their studies, high student loans, and value of using their name. Alas paralegals could say the same. Highly skilled, trained and expert paralegals qualify for major sums.
In Jamaica paralegals do not feel appreciated, and somewhat burdened. They therefore go into a mode and seem quite ineffective or lazy. There were some paralegals even opting to relocate overseas for better living.
In the US paralegals can make up to $80,000.00 while an attorney can earn up to US$500,000.00 and more even. Interestingly paralegals in England can earn even 80,000 pounds while attornies can go for 100,000 pounds or more. In England the salary scale difference is closer. Entry level for paralegals is £15000 and for attorneys its £25000 average. In wider Europe for example Germany entry level 1-3 years paralegals take home €44,265, while attorneys €50,000.
Hourly rates
UK paralegals entry level £19-37
UK Lawyers £25
Europe lawyers €60-81
Europe paralegals €25
USA paralegals US$20
USA attorneys $30-48
Caribbean paralegals J$1,500
Caribbean lawyers J$2700
Maybe it is time for paralegals to go for multiple jobs as they do elsewhere.
Go figure.
Core paralegal services are listed as
Document review and preparation
Legal research
Drafting legal documents
Discovery and investigation work
Case management
Trial preparation
Client meetings
Deposition and hearing support
Other work which could be secretarial are:-
filing, General meeting, Basic intake, Collecting fees.
REFERENCE: Guide to billing for your paralegal.
Paralegal fees across US
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– Anthea McGibbon, Site owner
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