What is a Paralegal?

Paralegals perform a wide variety of substantive and procedural legal work, which, in the absence of a paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, possess a solid understanding of the law and adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility.

In the United States, approximately seven out of ten paralegals work for law firms. Others work for corporate legal departments, government agencies, hospitals and insurance companies. Paralegals are prohibited from practicing law without a license; however, they perform many important functions critical to the legal process and the work of attorneys, such as:

• Interviewing clients and witnesses
• Identifying laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and materials relevant to the case
• Conducting statistical, documentary and legal research
• Drafting legal briefs and correspondence
• Coordinating litigation support and technology
• Helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings