paralegal services are legal assistants who support attorneys with various law-related tasks. They can work for private law firms, corporate legal departments, or any other entity that needs support with complex legal matters and transactions. Typically, paralegals are hired on an hourly basis and are paid directly to their clients. Using their expertise and skills, they can save attorneys and other law firm personnel time, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.
As a legal assistant, a paralegal’s job description is vast and varied. Depending on the type of law firm or business, a paralegal may have a more specific focus in certain areas of legal practice. Some common examples include:
Research and writing: Fact-checking, researching and drafting reports on findings. Assisting during trials: Preparing trial binders, preparing witnesses and exhibits, and conducting background checks. Coordinating cases: Organizing and scheduling meeting and depositions, and communicating with clients to provide updates on case status.
Empowering Your Legal Journey: A Comprehensive Guide to Paralegal Services
Litigation: Assisting attorneys with the prosecution or defense of a lawsuit. This includes drafting motions, filings and responses to opposing parties.
Drafting legal documents: Preparing various document types, including contracts and wills, and ensuring that they are complete and accurate. Paralegals also assist with client communications and manage case files to help attorneys prepare for court proceedings or arbitration. They also ensure that documents are properly filed and are in compliance with local, state and federal laws. Paralegals are also required to take Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in order to maintain their license.