What is a Paralegal and What Do They Do?

Details of Employment and Education Degree Needed

You’ve seen the ads, I’m sure. Become a paralegal in just two years and work in the exciting legal industry. But what exactly would you be doing if you became one? What is a paralegal? What do paralegals do? What kind of education is required?

Paralegals are sometimes known as legal assistants, and while that should be a more descriptive term for what they do, it really isn’t any better than paralegal. Regardless of what you call them, paralegals or legal assistants, their place in the legal system is to undertake certain tasks and responsibilities that a lawyer would normally do. These responsibilities are wide ranging, but fall short of any duties that would be construed as actually practicing law, such as giving legal advice, acting as counsel in the courtroom, and even setting fees.

Paralegals are allowed to take part in certain investigative aspects of a case. They are often vital in tracking down all information that is pertinent to the case, such as identifying precedent, examining prior judicial decisions, and reading articles that reference the laws pertaining to a case. A paralegal is especially important in assisting lawyers as they prepare for hearings, trials, depositions, etc. Often it is the paralegal who is responsible for preparing the written reports to which an attorney will refer as he decides the proper legal strategies for handling the case. Because of this, paralegals need to be trained in how to prepare such things as court motions, draft pleadings and other paperwork that essentially prepares the legal arguments to be made. A paralegal can expect to assist the lawyer in the courtroom by organizing documents and making them easily accessible. Many of the duties assigned to the paralegal involve paperwork, often of a highly technical nature. A paralegal may be asked to help in the drafting of contracts, shareholder agreements, trademark registration applications, depositions and many other documents.