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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat does Paralegal do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals support attorneys, lawyers, law offices, or other legal entities. They are saddled with the responsibility of carrying out various duties within the legal field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They conduct research and collate necessary information related to a case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals also prepare presentations for the clients of the attorney they work for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although there are so many things clearly stated by the law that paralegals are not authorized to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are still authorized to assist the attorney in performing functions he or she should have done themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore paralegals need to have good knowledge of the law and legal systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if they don’t have a law degree and are not authorized to practice law in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like lawyers, paralegals usually decide to specialize in a special area of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the common areas of specialization in law a paralegal can choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Family law<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Immigration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Government<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personal injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Litigation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cooperate law<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Real estate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Law and Employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intellectual property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This list can go on, but I will stop here. The major message I was trying to pass is that paralegals can specialize in a particular area of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: General Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Paralegal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I already stated that there are certain duties the law does not permit paralegals to perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, the duties and responsibilities carried out by paralegals may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, a paralegal does whatever the attorney request that they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But this is as long as it aligns with the law’s requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities usually featured in a paralegal job description<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Interviewing Clients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A paralegal must conduct interviews with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During interview sessions, they take note of relevant points and information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This information is passed on to the lawyer or attorney during the trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Assist Lawyers in Preparing for Court Cases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although the law doesn’t permit paralegals to represent clients in court, they still play important roles before and during trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They assist lawyers or attorneys in preparing for trials and court hearings in every way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such ways include taking statements, conducting interviews and research, and helping lawyers prepare a legal argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: Guidance Counselor Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Drafting Legal Pleads and Documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals are also responsible for drafting legal pleadings and documents, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- subpoenas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deposition notice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Motions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Contracts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Briefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Complaint<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Behind the Scene Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They also provide a lot of behind the scene support to lawyers and attorneys during arbitration, trial, mediation, administrative proceedings, and closings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By doing this, they reduce the workload of lawyers. And help them focus on more important legal responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Investigation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals are also responsible for carrying out investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They do this by interviewing witnesses and clients as well as taking statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all collate every piece of information they dim necessary for helping the lawyer hold a strong argument in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other duties and responsibilities of a paralegal commonly featured in the job description include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Filling case documents with courts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organise and maintain files, exhibits, documents, and other important information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Handle discovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assist lawyers or attorneys in preparing legal arguments and motions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Perform administrative duties such as responding to calls and emails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Aoo these duties and responsibilities are performed under the supervision of lawyers or attorneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: Housekeeper Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Qualification do I need to become a Paralegal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals do not often require formal training; they do a lot of on-the-job training under the supervision of attorneys and lawyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies is preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although no formal training is mandatory for paralegals, they are expected to have good knowledge of legal terminologies, systems, and laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some countries or states, paralegals require a license to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employers also prefer employing those who have previous working experience as a secretary in a legal setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRead also;<\/p>\n\n\n
- Account Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n
- Accountant Job Description | Duties and Responsibilities [Updated for 2024]<\/a><\/li>\n
- Administrative Assistant Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n
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- Architect Job Description | Duties and Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n
- Assistant Accountant Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Skills does a Paralegal need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The job description of a paralegal also features certain skills that employers look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possessing these skills helps a paralegal perform his or her duties easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the skills usually featured in the job description of a paralegal include<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Communication Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Communication skills are very relevant for carrying out ba paralegals’ duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It plays a very vital role when interviewing witnesses and clients, as well as when making statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore a paralegal should be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also important to note that effective communication involves listening as much as speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good paralegal should also possess good listening skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This way, he or she will be able to get every necessary information from witnesses and clients during the investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Interpersonal Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is also necessary for a paralegal to possess good interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They should be able to develop good relationships with clients, lawyers, and attorneys as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Organisational Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals cannot do without possessing organizational skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That is practically the only way to organize and maintain numerous files, documents, and exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often one case alone may have several files and exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: Internal Auditor Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Ability to work under Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deadlines and pressure can put everyone under so much tension, no doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But paralegals should develop the ability to remain calm and stable when faced with deadlines to meet up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially paralegals whose area of specialty involves litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Multitasking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Being able to multitask will also be of great advantage to paralegals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That way, more tasks can be done within a short time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But multitasking will not always be possible, no doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As such, prioritizing activities is always the best alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all believe in giving preference to a more important task, which is right.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it is also important not to ignore less important tasks to the point where they are left undone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where do Paralegals work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are not so many organizations or companies out there that employ paralegals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is probably because they cannot represent a client in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The typical employers of paralegals are law firms and agencies that provide legal services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vacancies are usually advertised online or through local newspapers and\/or radio stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do Paralegals make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On average, the salary of a paralegal in the United States is about $50,940 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their salary ranges from $31,400 to $82,050 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These figures may differ in your geographical location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employers’ experience, qualifications, and location may determine a paralegal’s salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More experienced and qualified paralegals will likely earn better than their less experienced or qualified colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: Kitchen Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paralegal work Environment and Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals usually work together with attorneys, lawyers, and other support staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often, they have to meet and interact with people. Although, in some areas of specialization, interaction with people is more common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of their work is done in offices; when necessary, they also attend court hearings with lawyers and attorneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paralegals usually work full-time at regular working hours and days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever there is a deadline to meet up with, they may have to work overtime and during weekends as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the Disadvantage of being a Paralegal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are so many good reasons for becoming a paralegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, this career path has its downsides. Some of the wishes include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- No career path<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stressful<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doing the same thing over and over again is more like a routine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of respect<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Not authorized to practice law<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of appreciation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about the disadvantages of being a paralegal, click HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, as I said, this job has its good side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since we have listed some of the disadvantages, it is only fair we also list the advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Becoming a paralegal is a good way to enter the legal system without a law degree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You will have the privilege of meeting and helping so many people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: Paralegal Job Description Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The bureau of labor statistics expects a 15% increase in job opportunities for paralegals from 2016 to 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There will be more jobs; therefore, now is the best time to take up a paralegal job while you improve your qualifications and skills and gain experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By 2026, you should be qualified for a better position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although this guide on the job description of a paralegal was written with applicants in mind, it can also be used as a template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, you should feel free to use it to support your goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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