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What is a paralegal?

Updated: 9/11/2023
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13y ago

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A paralegal is a professionally trained and educated legal assistant who is certified in paralegal studies who works under the supervision of a licensed attorney. She/he can be employed by a law office or work freelance as an independent for various lawyers. A paralegal can perform routine tasks requiring some knowledge of the law and procedures and can manage a small law office.

Depending on their abilities, background and level of training responsibilities can cover a wide range including but not limited to the following: conduct initial interviews with clients, digest transcripts and depositions, review and catalogue discovery, act as an intermediary between lawyers and clients, draft court filings, maintain files, perform title examinations, conduct real estate closings, assist in legal research, draft correspondence to other attorneys and to clients related to ongoing cases, obtain background information, etc. A good paralegal can be an invaluable resource for a busy attorney.

Some companies hire paralegals to do legal work that doesn't require a lawyer.

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Related questions

Can I get advice on how to become a paralegal?

To become a paralegal you must go to paralegal training. The basics of the legal system are taught.


How do you spell paralegal?

That is the correct spelling of "paralegal" (legal assistant).


How long is a paralegal program certicfication?

how long is a paralegal program


How do you say im a paralegal in spanish?

Soy un procurador - I am a paralegal (male). Soy una procuradora - I am a paralegal (female).


Do they offer online classes to become a paralegal?

Yes, paralegal classes are often offered online. The Paralegal Institute, www.theparalegalinstitute.edu, and National Paralegal College, nationalparalegal.edu, are just 2 of the many.


Is a college degree required to get a paralegal job?

A college degree is not required to get a paralegal job. A paralegal needs plenty of experience. It's also good for the paralegal to take some courses or classes.


Where can I go to school to become a paralegal?

To become a certified paralegal, you need to go to a paralegal school or take online courses that offer the same training. Some of the schools include The Paralegal Institute.


What is paralegal duty toward clients?

A paralegal does not have a duty to the client. The attorney has a duty to the client. The paralegal has a duty to the attorney or firm that employs him/her.


What is more marketable paralegal or social work?

paralegal..... simple economics


How can you use paralegal in a sentence?

This coupled with a current paralegal qualification is prerequisite.


Which form of a paralegal licensing would require that every paralegal would have to meet minimum standards in order to practice as a paralegal?

general licensing


Becoming a Paralegal Online?

The are many ways to earn a paralegal degree. Online paralegal school is the wave of the future. Because so much of a paralegal's job is preparing court documents and briefs, learning to be a paralegal online is an excellent education route to take.Private Paralegal SchoolsIf you decide to go to a private vocational school, you can become a paralegal in a year of condensed study. You will have a paralegal certificate when you are finished and will be qualified to apply for just about any paralegal job. Many programs like this one allow a paralegal student to specialize in two or three areas of the law. In this case, a paralegal will actually know more about the required paperwork in their specialties than almost any attorney. This sort of specialization makes a paralegal's job vitally important to a law firm in one of the paralegal's areas of expertise.Two-Year CollegeThis course of study allows a paralegal to major in paralegal studies at a community college. The student will emerge with an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. The paralegal is eligible to work in a law office as soon as he has his Associates Degree.Four-Year CollegeA paralegal student can major in paralegal studies at a public or private college. At the conclusion of his education, the paralegal will have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies. The paralegal can work for awhile and prove himself in a law office. Later, he may want to arrange his work schedule around law school. If he is already working at a firm, they are likely to be quite flexible with his hours and will probably pay for the paralegal's law school, if he contracts to stay at that firm for a set number of years.BenefitsA paralegal can start at entry level and obtain more education, including law school. A paralegal career is an excellent stepping stone to becoming an attorney. There is a great deal of room for advancement for paralegals.