A paralegal, also called a legal assistant, serves as a lawyer’s right-hand man or woman. While they have many daily tasks, paralegals’ main focus is on drafting and organizing documents that will help lawyers during trials. They also prepare lawyers for closings, hearings and corporate meetings. Today, paralegals are given more responsibilities within the workplace, many of which are the same tasks as lawyers. Different from legal secretaries, paralegals are in charge of drafting legal documents and pleadings that are used by lawyers. Many of their duties revolve around preparatory work, helping lawyers get ready for trials. Some paralegals investigate cases by researching and verifying the facts, as well as checking that all relevant information is included and correct. Others are responsible for identifying applicable laws, judicial decisions and legal articles that are important to their assigned cases. After they analyze the cases and sort through the information, paralegals produce written reports that assist lawyers in legal proceedings. If an attorney files lawsuits on behalf of clients, the paralegal will be at their side in all stages of legal proceedings by preparing legal arguments, drafting pleadings, motions, obtaining important documents for trial and assisting them during trial. Paralegals have to be organized, because one of their big duties is organizing and keeping track of important case documents and paperwork that lawyer can easily find and use for referencing. In addition, they may coordinate activities of other law office employees and manage financial records of the office. They can also be in charge of other tasks, such as drafting contracts, mortgages and separation agreements. In addition, paralegals may handle financial duties, like preparing tax returns, establishing trust funds and planning estates. Although paralegals have many important responsibilities, lawyers remain fully responsible for all legal work. Paralegals cannot carry out the duties of an attorney, such as practicing law, setting legal fees or giving legal advice.

Most paralegals are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments and government offices, working in different areas of law, such as litigation, corporate law, personal injury, criminal law, intellectual property, immigration and other areas. Paralegals who work in specialties will be more specialized because they are expected to handle complex duties relating to their certain area of law. In smaller law firms, paralegals will be assigned more general duties. Whereas, larger law firms and more specific organizations may assign explicit tasks to their paralegals. If a paralegal career sounds like a good fit for you, visit the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals, for more job resources and general information.