The hourly rate for paralegals is typically what compared to that of attorneys?

The hourly rate for paralegals is typically lower than that of attorneys due to the different levels of education, training, and responsibility associated with each role. Attorneys generally have a law degree, have passed the bar exam, and possess advanced legal knowledge and skills that enable them to represent clients in court and provide legal advice. In contrast, paralegals are trained to assist attorneys in various legal tasks, including research, document preparation, and case management, which do not require the same level of formal education or legal certification.

The difference in hourly rates reflects the varying responsibilities and the legal qualifications that attorneys hold compared to paralegals. This structure also allows law firms to bill clients for services at a more cost-effective rate for tasks that do not necessarily require the expertise of an attorney, thus making legal services accessible while maintaining the quality of work through the support of paralegals.