Paralegals assist attorneys in providing legal services. They work under the supervision of a lawyer. One of the most important tasks of a paralegal is helping attorneys prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals serve as support staff for attorneys through the collection and analysis of information relevant to court cases. Perform any function delegated by the attorney, including but not limited to the following:
Conduct client interviews and maintain general client contact.
· Locate and interview witnesses.
Carry out statistical and documentary research and investigations.
· Carry out legal research.
· Drafting of legal documents, correspondence and writings.
Summarize statements, interrogations and testimonies.
Attend will executions, real estate closings, depositions, court or administrative hearings, and trials with the attorney.
The only legal services paralegals cannot perform are presenting cases in court, providing legal advice, setting fees, and accepting cases.
A paralegal may be a freelancer or employee of an attorney or law firm or employee of a paralegal firm that provides paralegals to attorneys and law firms. A freelance paralegal charges the attorney for the work he or she does. If the paralegal is employed by an attorney or law firm, the attorney or law firm pays the paralegal a salary. A paralegal employed with a paralegal firm receives a salary from the firm, which then bills the attorney or law firm that hires the firm. In addition to lawyers and law firms, government departments, insurance companies, real estate companies, and businesses also require paralegal services. Within these organizations, paralegals are responsible for a variety of areas including bankruptcy, corporate, criminal, family, and employment law, litigation, immigration, intellectual property, real estate, and employee benefits, to name a few.
In general, there are no specific qualification requirements to become a paralegal. However, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in general law or a specialized area of law. Many colleges offer paralegal training programs. Most paralegals have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree along with a certificate in paralegal studies. There are professional bodies that provide voluntary certification for paralegals. Some employers train paralegals on the job and hire college graduates with no legal experience.
A paralegal must be able to document and present findings and opinions to the supervising attorney. Good research and investigative skills and an understanding of legal terminology are essential for a paralegal.