Alternate Title(s) | Paralegal, Law Clerk, Legal Staff Assistant |
Minimum Education Requirements | Associate's degree |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Communication skills. Paralegals must be able to document and present their research and related information to their supervising attorney. - Computer skills. Paralegals need to be familiar with using computers for legal research and litigation support. They also use computer programs for organizing and maintaining important documents. - Interpersonal skills. Paralegals spend most of their time working with clients and other professionals and must be able to develop good relationships. They must make clients feel comfortable sharing personal information related to their cases. - Organizational skills. Paralegals may be responsible for many cases at one time. They must adapt quickly to changing deadlines. - Research skills. Paralegals need good research and investigative skills to conduct legal research. |
Job Duties | Paralegals and legal assistants typically do the following: - Investigate and gather the facts of a case - Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles - Organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems - Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation - Write or summarize reports to help lawyers prepare for trials - Draft correspondence and legal documents, such as contracts and mortgages - Get affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court - Help lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts - File exhibits, briefs, appeals and other legal documents with the court or opposing counsel - Call clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions |
Job Profile | Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals use technology and computer software for managing and organizing the increasing amount of documents and data collected during a case. Many paralegals use computer software to catalog documents, and to review documents for specific keywords or subjects. Because of these responsibilities, paralegals must be familiar with electronic database management and be current on the latest software used for electronic discovery. Electronic discovery refers to all electronic materials obtained by the parties during the litigation or investigation. These materials may be emails, data, documents, accounting databases, and websites. Paralegals’ specific duties often vary depending on the area of law in which they work. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.