Answer:
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.