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Highlights

1. Paralegals assist lawyers with administrative and legal tasks, supporting them in trials, meetings, and other proceedings.
2. Key responsibilities include document collection, legal research, drafting reports, and assisting during trials.
3. Paralegals earn an average of $61,243 annually, with higher salaries in private firms and specific cities.
4. Unlike lawyers, paralegals cannot practice law, provide legal advice, or represent clients in court.

Working in law opens the door to many job options with unique responsibilities. One exciting role to explore is a professional paralegal who supports lawyers and legal teams. Asking, “What does a paralegal do?” can help you understand their duties and decide if this career fits your goals.

In this article, we’ll cover what is a paralegal, their key responsibilities, essential skills, and how to start a career as one is.

What Is a Paralegal?

A paralegal assists attorneys with administrative and legal tasks. They work in public and private law firms, helping lawyers prepare for trials, meetings, and other legal proceedings. 

Paralegals often manage professional communication with clients and handle various responsibilities. Some focus on paperwork and office tasks, while others meet clients, conduct interviews, collect statements, and perform more hands-on duties.

What are The Responsibilities of a Paralegal?

Now, you might be wondering what does a paralegal do on a daily basis. Paralegals play an essential role in the legal process by handling tasks such as:

1. Collecting Documents: Gathering information and paperwork from clients, expert witnesses, and other sources.
2. Researching Legal Cases: Consider current and past cases to help attorneys anticipate outcomes in similar situations.
3. Writing Reports: Drafting reports and legal documents for ongoing cases.
4. Drafting Pleadings and Motions: Preparing motions or pleadings for court cases and sometimes filing them with the court.
5. Assisting During Trials: Compiling, organizing, and sharing notes, reports, and information during trials.
6. Preparing Documents: Creating supporting documents for attorneys to use or file in court.
7. Interviewing Clients: Meeting with clients and witnesses to gather relevant case information.
8. Communicating with Clients: Keeping clients informed and updated throughout the legal process.
9. Fact-Checking: Verifying the accuracy of documents and legal filings to ensure reliability.
10. Coordinating Cases: Managing case timelines, deadlines, and overall organization to keep everything on track.

What Does A Paralegal Make?

Now you know what does a paralegal do on a daily basis, let’s find out their annual pay.

Paralegals can work either full-time or part-time. The average annual salary for full-time paralegals is 61,243 per year, though this amount can vary depending on experience and location. Paralegals employed by private law firms generally earn higher salaries. Some top-paying cities for this role include Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles.

How Is a Paralegal Different from a Lawyer?

Lawyers are licensed professionals authorized to practice law and represent clients in legal matters, while paralegals are not. Lawyers undergo extensive training and are generally more highly compensated than paralegals. 

While paralegals and lawyers both work in the legal field, there are key differences between the two roles:

Education Requirements

Lawyers must complete an undergraduate degree, pass the LSAT, attend an ABA-accredited law school, and pass the bar exam to become licensed. This process typically takes about seven years.

On the other hand, paralegals aren’t licensed and don’t have a universal education standard. They may earn certifications, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees, or even learn most of their skills through on-the-job training.

Ability to Practice Law

Unlike lawyers, paralegals cannot practice law independently. They cannot provide legal advice, represent clients in court, or set legal fees. These tasks are exclusively handled by licensed lawyers.

How to Become a Paralegal?

Becoming a paralegal involves gaining the necessary education, experience, and certifications to support legal professionals effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Complete a Two-Year Certificate Program

Many aspiring paralegals begin with a two-year paralegal certificate program that community colleges offer. These programs provide foundational knowledge about the legal process and paralegal responsibilities. 

Some law firms may require a four-year degree, so starting with a certificate allows you to explore the field and decide if you’d like to pursue advanced education.

2. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

If you continue your education, you can transfer your certificate credits toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Before enrolling, check if the program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), as this can enhance your credibility and employability.

3. Complete a Paralegal Internship

Internships provide valuable hands-on experience in a legal environment. Opportunities are available in private law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and nonprofit organizations. During your internship, you’ll develop practical skills and insights that can set you apart in the job market.

4. Earn a National Certification

A certification can help you stand out and increase your job prospects. Several organizations offer paralegal certifications, including:

1. National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): Provides two certification programs.
2. American Alliance of Paralegals (AAPI): Offers one certification program.
3. National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): Offers two certification programs.
4. National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS): Offers three certification programs.

5. Apply for Paralegal Jobs

With the required education, certifications, and internship experience, you can start applying for paralegal positions. Customize your resume for each job by including keywords from the job description and highlighting your education, certifications, and relevant experience to improve your chances of landing an interview.

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Summary

Understanding what is a paralegal can help you see how essential these professionals are in legal cases. A paralegal plays an important role in the legal field by supporting lawyers with various tasks, from research and document preparation to client communication and trial assistance. While paralegals are not licensed to practice law, their expertise and organizational skills are invaluable to the legal process.