National Paralegal Day

Categories:: Appreciation
Tags:: Career Work
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 23
Holiday emoji:: ⚖️

National Paralegal Day champions the crucial work of paralegals and legal assistants every October 23. These professionals are the backbone of law firms, performing essential research, drafting documents, and managing cases. Take a moment to recognize their meticulous efforts and significant impact on legal outcomes.

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Expected National Paralegal Day Deals

As National Paralegal Day approaches, expect law firms and legal associations to organize appreciation events, from catered lunches to professional development seminars. While direct consumer deals are less common, legal tech providers often offer discounts on software and training. Look for special offers from companies like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters on research tools, or educational platforms such as NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) for certification courses. Office supply retailers like Staples may feature promotions on essential professional items, and legal staffing agencies such as Robert Half Legal might highlight career resources. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Paralegal Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalParalegalDay. Share stories of paralegals making a difference in your firm.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalParalegalDay. Post quick facts about the paralegal profession or highlight a paralegal hero.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalParalegalDay. Create a community post asking people to share their appreciation for a paralegal they know.

National Paralegal Day Hero

Esther L. Kegan

Esther L. Kegan (1918-2007) was a pioneering attorney and advocate for the paralegal profession. She played a pivotal role in establishing formal training and recognition for paralegals, understanding their value to the legal system. Kegan helped shape early paralegal education programs and championed the idea of paralegals as integral members of legal teams, contributing significantly to their professional development and acceptance.

History of National Paralegal Day

Whether you call yourself a paralegal or a legal assistant, the work is basically the same — to be an essential part of an attorney’s administrative team. As the need for attorneys continues to grow, skilled paralegals are increasingly in demand. If you’re currently working in the profession or considering working as a paralegal in the future, National Paralegal Day has abundant information to get you up to speed on what the job entails and what kinds of certifications (if any) are required.

As far back as the early 1970s, interest was stirred about the need for an organized group of paralegals and legal assistants. This challenging job involves preparing and copying boatloads of legal documents like wills, real estate closings, affidavits and more, assisting attorneys with cases and trial prep and working with clients. But in the 70s, there was a general feeling among the workers that despite their expertise, attorneys didn’t always respect that work.

In 1973, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) produced a series of seminars and workshops for people who helped lawyers in law offices. Eventually, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) brought in about 15 other member organizations, established a code of ethics for paralegals and created a task force on credentialing criteria. Today the NFPA is comprised of 50 member organizations and 9000 individual members.

Although it’s difficult to find an American source for National Paralegal Day, you can get a specific card from Hallmark. Bottom line, the next time you find yourself in a law office, smile nicely to the worker bees who make it all happen, the certified paralegals.

National Paralegal Day timeline

October 23, 1981

"The Paralegal Division of The State Bar of Texas" was created

This was where it all started. The State Bar of Texas created "The Paralegal Division of The State Bar of Texas," making it the first U.S. bar association to create a separate division for paralegals.

1988

California Paralegal Day

Governor George Deukmejian signed a proclamation declaring an official “California Paralegal Day."

1995

Paralegals.org is the first of its kind

NFPA launches the first website dedicated to the paralegal profession.

2017

Ontario gives paralegals official recognition.

Licensed paralegals were endorsed and recognized as officers of the court, meaning they have a part in the legal system.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Paralegal Day

Law firms and legal departments can celebrate National Paralegal Day by hosting an appreciation lunch, providing professional development opportunities, or offering small bonuses. Legal tech companies might launch special webinars or offer temporary discounts on their software for paralegals. Even local businesses can participate by offering special discounts to legal professionals with valid ID, fostering goodwill within the community.

National Paralegal Day FAQs

When is National Paralegal Day?

National Paralegal Day 2026 falls on Friday, October 23, providing a perfect opportunity to recognize these vital legal professionals as the work week concludes.

How many paralegals work in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 280,000 paralegals and legal assistants employed in the U.S. in 2022, with the profession projected to grow.

What is the average salary for a paralegal?

The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants was approximately $59,200 in May 2022, with variations based on experience, location, and industry.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?

While often used interchangeably, a paralegal typically performs substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney, such as research and drafting. A legal assistant often handles more administrative tasks.

How to Observe National Paralegal Day

Send a thank you card
If you've recently worked with a law office or attorney, chances are there were paralegals working on your case until the wee hours of the night. Let them know you appreciate their help with a handwritten thank you note. There's nothing sweeter.
Send a sweet treat to a local law office
We lied. There can be something sweeter than a card, and that's a basket of baked goods. If you're not a baker, you can always have some cookies or fruit delivered to a local law office near you. Just be sure to note it's for the paralegals on their special day.
Consider it for a new career
Looking to jump start your career? Paralegal training courses exist both online and in-person. This could be your first step towards a great gig — or even law school.

3 Things Paralegals Do Daily

Client interviews
A paralegal may have to conduct interviews with potential witnesses and take notes to summarize testimony.
Drafting legal documents
From complaints and subpoenas to pretrial orders and legal briefs, most of their days are spent drafting these documents.
Legal research and presentations
They assist lawyers by gathering and analyzing information on the case — as well as relevant laws, precedents, and prior judicial decisions.

Why National Paralegal Day is Important

There's no "I" in team.
The day serves as a good reminder that it's a team rather than just an attorney at work. Though the lawyer calls the (legal) shots, their arguments wouldn't be possible without the help of the paralegal.
Appreciation equals motivation
It shows paralegals that their tasks as assistants, researchers, and interviewers all matter, and the work doesn't go unnoticed. Appreciation usually promotes better work ethic.
Two words that could solve a case faster: Thank you.
Expressing gratitude at the office can improve work relationships and connections, according to research done by consultants. This, in turn, helps the attorneys accomplish their goals more efficiently.