What Are Paralegal Services?
A paralegal is a legal assistant who works closely with an attorney to help
with paperwork and other tasks involved in the legal representation of clients.
Paralegals are becoming more in demand because they can do much of the same work
as an attorney at a fraction of the cost to the client. There are a range of
tasks that paralegals may perform. However, there are some things that a
paralegal cannot do. It is important to understand the role of a paralegal if
you want to become one or if you want to use the services of one.
Daily Tasks
Generally, a paralegal will spend most of his or her time handling paperwork
for the attorney they work for. This includes filing, copying, sorting and
drafting all types of legal documents. Paralegal services can include much more
than the handling of paperwork, though.
Depending on the type of attorney the paralegal is working for, paralegal
services may also include legal research, interviewing witnesses, holding
hearings, doing investigations and gathering evidence.
Things a Paralegal Cannot Do
There are specific rules regarding what a paralegal cannot do. The main
rules for paralegal services is that a paralegal cannot give legal advice or
represent clients in a court of law. These guidelines are in place to prevent
the unauthorized practice of law. A paralegal caught giving legal advice or
trying to represent a client in court could face serious legal consequences.
Opportunities for Paralegals
There are many opportunities for paralegal services. A paralegal can work
directly for an attorney or they can work for a business, corporation or
company. A paralegal may also offer paralegal service on a freelance basis
where they work directly with clients or work with various attorneys on a
contract basis.
A paralegal usually must perform their job under the direct supervision of an
attorney, but in some states a paralegal is allowed to offer some services
directly to clients. These paralegal services include drafting wills and
completing bankruptcy paperwork.
Most of a paralegal's day will be spent on the computer or working with
paperwork. A paralegal must be very organized and have a good attention to
detail. It is also important that a paralegal understands all aspects of proper
legal research and legal ethics. Since a paralegal will often work with
clients, they are held to the same rules as an attorney regarding
attorney-client privilege and the confidentiality of client information.
There is no formal requirement at this time for education for paralegals.
Most paralegals, though, have some type of certificate or degree in paralegal
studies. Some start as legal secretaries and work their way into a paralegal
position. There are also associations for paralegals that offer further testing
and certification, but these are not mandatory to finding a job as a paralegal.
The opportunities for trained and educated paralegals are sure to keep
growing. People often turn to paralegal services because they can save a lot of
money by using a paralegal instead of an attorney. It is a career with a bright
future.
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