NFPA received 4,129 responses which form the basis for this report. The response rate by city is a direct result of the local associations publicizing the survey and should not be construed as a basis of determining paralegal population. The purpose of the report is two-fold. Its primary function is to provide a basis for understanding the demographics, compensation and benefits of the paralegal profession. Its second purpose is to measure those aspects in the work environment that affect the satisfaction level of paralegals.
Some caveats exist in virtually any statistical study.
Although the methodology used in this survey is standard, the results must be considered and interpreted in perspective with the design. For example, some of the statistics reported may be based on a limited sample size. Accordingly, statistics reported on a national or regional level are generally representative of the applicable cross-sections. Other data presented are actual survey results and may not be representative of the related cross-section as a whole. The first, in 1991, had 7,786 respondents.