Paralegal and Legal Assistant

When preparing for a case:

• Research all facts of the case, including organizing evidence, speaking with clients and witnesses, and organizing any documents needed for the case.
• Review all laws, including their intent or any similar cases.
• With the lawyer, communicate what will be needed before, during, and after a case is tried.
• Prepare all legal documents for a lawyer’s signature and make sure they are filed appropriately.
• A paralegal is likely involved in more than one case at a time.

While a paralegal may have other work to do in a law firm, their main job is helping lawyers prepare for their jobs. This involves a great deal of collecting and organizing data. Paralegals keep data organized in electronic databases. They also often control “electronic discovery,” which is evidence both legal parties obtain during the investigation that is electronic in nature. Examples are text messages or emails.

Soft Skills

• Written and Oral Communication
• Interpersonal Skills such as diplomacy and networking
• Research skills
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptable/Flexible

Technical Skills

• IT Skills
• Able to use desktop publishing, word processing, and spreadsheet software
• Database management and analysis

Paralegals need to be computer literate, specifically database management. Their tasks can be different depending on the size of the law firm. A paralegal is more likely to be with a case from beginning to end in a smaller firm. In a large firm, they may only be responsible for part of one.

Corporate Paralegal – This type of paralegal works in the legal department of a company and is responsible for helping the company follow laws and rules of their industry, or help the company’s lawyers if they break a law.

Other organizations a paralegal can work for are:

• Hospitals
• Non-Profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Insurance and Real Estate companies

While most paralegals work 40 hours a week, there may be time they will need to work more to meet their deadlines. Being a paralegal can also leave you with little room to advance, especially at a small firm. Sometimes, paralegals can be assigned menial tasks or act as an office administer.

Paralegals are not able to provide direct legal advice or sign the documents they prepare for a lawyer. While they provide a great service and support, they may not receive appropriate credit for this work.

Paralegals are growing in need and demand. Not only law firms are expanding their paralegal hirings, corporations are as well. There is also a trend toward paralegals taking on roles normally given to other legal support. More employers are also looking for paralegal and legal assistants who are officially licensed.

The largest trend is in technology. Maintaining a database of evidence and documentation has become a crucial task for paralegals and legal assistants. There has been a greater emphasis on technological competence for lawyers and this is trickling down to the paralegal profession as well. There is especially a need for being able to process and study electronic evidence such as text messages and emails.

• Many enjoyed interacting with other people as well as reading books and problem solving. 
• Kids who became paralegals enjoyed helping others
• Enjoyed keeping their personal belongings organized