Paralegals offer invaluable assistance to attorneys and help in the functional aspects of legal practices and regime. This position includes a multitude of activities such as legal research, document drafting, file management, and client relations and is therefore considered to be an ideal position for persons who would like to work in the legal framework. We, therefore, take a closer look at the areas of work, educational requirements and future job scenarios of paralegals.
Paralegal Job Description
Paralegals are those who work with attorneys to prepare for a trial, hearing, or business meeting. They also perform legal research, prepare documents and pleadings, manage files, and compile case-related materials. Paralegals work in diverse settings including law firms, government institutions, and Corporates, but their primary focus is on client service and management of legal battles.
Resume Description for This Job
Below is a sample resume description for a paralegal, emphasizing relevant skills and experience:
“Dedicated paralegal with [X years] of assisting attorneys in legal research and in the drafting of documents as wells as case management. Efficient in the organization of legal documents, drafting of trial briefs, and finding relevant information from clients loose fragments to further the case. Knowledgeable in offensive and defensive legal software applications such as [insert relevant software names], and am well versed in basic legal operations. Aim to assist members of legal teams in the most effective way and without any unnecessary delays.”
Feel free to adjust software names or details to better match your experience!
Salary
The salary for paralegals in the U.S. may depend on the experience, geographical position and employer type. Here are average ranges for paralegals’ salaries:
- Entry-Level Paralegal: 40,000 to 55,000 US dollars a year.
- Mid-Level Paralegal: 55,000 to 70,000 US dollars a year.
- Senior P or Paralegal Specialists: 70,000 to 85,000 US dollars a year.
- Corporate or Government P: 75,000 to 100,000 US Dollars a year.
Though in larger metropolitan locations especially in corporate law firms where paralegals with certifications tend to be paid high salary.
Responsibilities
Paralegals are involved in a range of activities that assist attorneys in performing their legal work effectively and efficiently. Their specific tasks are as follows:
- Conducting Legal Research: Examine relevant case law, legislation, and sources of law for further use which would assist in the development of the case and supply lawyers with the needed information accurately.
- Drafting, Preparing, and Operating Documents: Compose contracts, pleadings, affidavits, and other legal documents under the supervision of lawyers.
- Case Management: Gather and arrange case documentation and ensure that everything that needs to be submitted is filed and available for examination.
- Assisting with Trial Preparation: Collect exhibits, prepare trial folders, and help attorneys prepare for and present cases, witnesses, and other relevant materials.
- Client Interaction: Fill in as a intermediary between clients and lawyers in order to obtain information, respond to inquiries, and provide status reports.
- Filing Court Documents: Draft notes and papers and file them in courts within the specified time to comply with the requirements of the court.
- Administrative Support: Carry out various administrative works including organizing meeting schedules, receiving and making telephone calls, and addressing letters and other documents.
- Maintaining Confidentiality: Treat all client and case-related information as proprietary and confidential and do not reveal it except in accordance to the law and professional ethics.
Qualifications
Usually, paralegals are educated in certain areas, possess certain skills and in certain cases are certified. Below are some key qualifications aimed for paralegals:
- Education: Most hiring organizations expect at least an associate degree in Paralegal studies or a Paralegal related course. Some employers also prefer that their potential employees have bachelor’s degree in relevant fields, for example, criminal justice or political science.
- Certification: Though it is not a requirement, some employers look favorably at qualified CP from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or APC Advanced Paralegal Certification as this may enhance one’s overall job chances.
- Technical Skills: Knowledge or skill and documenting through legal computerized software (e.g., Westlaw and LexisNexis) as well as managing documents using MS Office has become a prerequisite.
- Legal Knowledge: Information about basic legal terms, strategies for carrying out research, and managing of cases is important for all the tasks to be performed effectively and efficiently.
- Organizational Skills: With regard to the nature of their work paralegals have to work with huge amounts of documents and data, outlining the important of efficient organizational and detail skills.
- Communication Skills: Clients, witnesses and court officials are people paralegals talk to often, and thus the need for good verbal and written communication.
- Ethical Standards: Legal education ethics must be respected and understood, including confidentiality.
FAQs
Q1: What does a paralegal do?
A paralegal is someone who helps lawyers with their work by doing research, writing documents, organizing files, and getting ready for cases or court.
Q2: Is it necessary to get a certification to become a paralegal?
There are no laws that prevent a paralegal from practicing without certification. However, paralegals who do receive certification are much more likely to be hired as there is an over saturation of un-employed paralegals. After certification, they are much more likely to find high-paying jobs. Paralegals that earned certification include the Certified Paralegal (CP), from NALA, and the Professional Paralegal (PP).
Q3: What paralegal specializations are available?
Yes, paralegals can specialize in fields such as corporate law, criminal law, intellectual property, family law, and many others. Those who specializes as a paralegal will be compensated more and will be given special duties that relate to the field they focus on.
Q4: How many years of education is required to become a paralegal?
In general, people studying an associate degree in paralegal studies can finish the course in about 2 years. Many instructors however, will advise students to continue and obtain their bachelor’s degree to have an enhanced career and more opportunities. The Certification programs require a bit more time and extra coursework than is initially expected.
Q5: What opportunities do you have as a paralegal for career advancement?
As their career develops over time, paralegals are likely to seek positions as senior paralegals, as well as take managerial positions within legal departments or practice in specific legal systems. Further education sets some on a path towards a career as an attorney.
Conclusion
To conclude, paralegals are crucial members in most legal work settings, since they help attorneys concentrate on the case and appear in trial. All paralegals armed with the right knowledge, education and necessary certifications can look up to joining the legal profession in gratifying positions while playing an important role towards the teams’ productivity and achieving the desired results for clients.