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Paralegal and Legal Assistant Job Description
Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.
Paralegals, also called legal assistants, support lawyers by performing tasks related to legal work. Although they may handle many of the same tasks as the lawyers for which they work, it is their employer who is ultimately responsible for the outcomes of legal work. Typical duties include:
- Researching facts related to cases.
- Helping lawyers prepare for meetings, hearings, trials and closing speeches.
- Identifying relevant case law, rulings and legal articles.
- Writing formal recommendations on the handling of cases.
- Preparing trial documents such as motions, pleadings and legal arguments.
- Organizing and keeping track of case documents.
- Being present to assist lawyers while in court.
- Drafting other legal documents such as contracts, mortgages, living wills, trust funds and separation agreements.
Paralegals may also coordinate the activities of other staff members, handle administrative tasks and manage accounting.
Seven out of ten legal assistants work for law firms. Others work for corporations or the government. Different areas of law in which they may specialize include:
- criminal law
- corporate law
- litigation
- bankruptcy
- immigration
- family law
- employee benefits
- intellectual property
- labor law
- real estate
- tax law
- disability law
- personal injury
Paralegals sometimes are self-employed, working freelance for lawyers or corporations who prefer not to have full-time legal staff.
Degrees and Schools
Many paralegals get a two-year associate's degree from a community college or vocational school. For those who already have a four-year degree, they can attend a certificate program. Some employers have paralegal training programs.
Most two-year programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, or legal experience. Certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, and can vary widely in length of time required and degree of intensity. Graduates of programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) are often preferred by potential employers.
Classes
Because legal research is largely computerized, educational emphasis is placed on use of software, databases and research techniques. Legal terminology, documentation skills and current law are other courses. Internships provide hands-on experience working in private law firms, government offices or corporate legal departments.
Online Classes and Programs
Becoming a paralegal or legal assistant is one of the most popular uses of online education. Programs abound, so choosing a program that has been accredited by the American Bar Association and regional accrediting bodies can ensure a quality educational experience. Although they may offer convenience, online programs may or may not provide the career services, financial aid and internship opportunities that brick-and-mortar schools typically offer. It is important to note that many law schools do not accept online credits.
Employment Requirements
There are no specific requirements at the state level regarding the qualification of paralegals; however, they cannot charge fees, provide legal counsel, present in court or perform other functions considered practicing law. Optional certification through various accrediting bodies such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) can provide an advantage when seeking employment. Some states require that paralegals complete a required number of continuing education credits annually to remain up-to-date on legal precedents and trends.
How to Evaluate Schools
Prospective paralegal students should consider the following factors when evaluating programs:
- School and class size - Some students find smaller classes to better suit their learning style, with more opportunities for direct communication with faculty and fellow classmates. Larger schools may offer more program options, facilities, activities and services, and may be less costly with more choices for financial aid.
- School services - It is desirable for a school to offer a strong set of services, such as orientation, tutoring, academic counseling, financial aid, career information and counseling.
- Job placements - The school should offer job placement assistance and have at least some information on placement rates of graduates and also ideally their job satisfaction.
- Curriculum content - Courses should provide a strong blend of the teaching of practical job skills along with underlying legal theory. Studies should include legal research and writing, litigation, ethics, contracts, business organizations and torts. Areas of program emphasis should include the advancement of students' critical thinking, communication, computational, computer skills, organizational skills, and ability to handle ethical issues. Students should be offered an on-the-job oriented learning component such as an internship, practicum or clinical experience.
- Tuition and financial assistance - The cost to attend different programs can vary widely, as can the kinds of financial assistance available. Be sure to research available scholarships.
