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A paralegal performs the day-to-day tasks of a lawyer, including drafting and filing documents, researching past cases and rulings, conducting preliminary interviews of clients, and performing other non-legally binding tasks. Paralegals are part of the legal team, working with either individual lawyers or in large legal practices. Paralegals also work in the district attorney's office, with major corporations and governmental agencies, and even in hospitals, insurance companies, and banks.

Training to Become a Paralegal

Courses to become a paralegal are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online. A person can earn an associates or a bachelor's degree to become a paralegal. While there is no test or certification required to be a paralegal, there are two voluntary organizations that regulate the standards of paralegals: the National Association of Legal Assistants, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

Paralegals earn anywhere between $28,000 and $60,000 per year depending on experience, size of legal practice, and area of the country. A senior level paralegal can earn over $60,000 per year assisting lawyers with their daily legal activities.

Paralegal Services

For the lawyers who do not have time researching case file information and precedent in legal libraries, paralegal services are ideal. All the legal research, legal writing, preparation of court documents and exhibits, and investigating facts surrounding a particular case are critical and can be performed by a paralegal service.

There are online paralegal services for the legal firms that do not have the need for full-time paralegals, but need assistance from time to time. They are also great for firms who have large assignments for clients and have to meet deadlines. Paralegals can perform the required research and document preparation to get the lawyers ready for trial.

There are some states that required paralegal services to change their names to Court Document Preparers or Court Forms Providers. These companies can help individuals with issues such as divorces, paternity, custody, modification of child support, wills, name changes, quit claims deeds, etc. Individuals can access these services without having to pay the high fees of actual attorneys. These companies are limited in scope and cannot give legal advice. They can only assist in the preparation of documents, but in simple cases it can result in huge savings.

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What are the intials for a paralegal?

The initials for a paralegal are "P.L." which stands for paralegal.


What is an antonym for paralegal?

Attorney is an antonym for paralegal.


Where can I go to school to become a paralegal?

You can become a paralegal by enrolling in a community college, university, or online institution that offers a paralegal studies program. Look for programs accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or approved by the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) for a quality education. Additionally, some schools also offer certificate programs for aspiring paralegals.


Do I need to go to a paralegal school to become a paralegal?

While attending a paralegal school can be beneficial for gaining the necessary skills and knowledge, it is not always required to become a paralegal. You can also become a paralegal through on-the-job training, certification programs, or obtaining a degree in a related field. It ultimately depends on the requirements of the employer and the jurisdiction in which you plan to work.


Paralegal Schools?

If you have ever considered a profession in the legal field, then a career as a paralegal might be a good choice. There are many paralegal schools available where you can earn a paralegal certificate, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. A career as a paralegal might be a good option for those wishing to work in the legal field that do not have the time, money or the desire to tackle the intensive study required to obtain a law degree and then going on to law school to become an attorney. What is a paralegal? A paralegal is an assistant to a lawyer and endeavors to assist him/her in providing services to their clients. A paralegal, however, cannot actually provide legal services themselves. Paralegals increase the efficiency of the work carried out in a law office. The American Bar Association’s definition: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. The legal responsibility of a paralegal, under this definition, rests solely upon the lawyer/employer. Many students applying to paralegal schools already have degrees in other disciplines such as nursing, teaching, et al. Students should possess an overt interest in the law, be able to communicate well, be decisive and able to finish tasks on a timely basis. Typical duties include: • Researches laws and statutes • Researches material pertinent to a case • Interviews clients or witnesses • Assists in the final preparation of a case While having a degree is not always necessary, to possess a certificate or degree from a paralegal school that is approved by the American Bar Association, whether obtained in the classroom or online, enhances a person’s chances of landing a good job, especially in a large law firm. If you are looking for job security, the paralegal profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2016. The hiring of paralegals by law firms lowers the cost and efficiency of legal services.

Related Questions

True or false the services of a paralegal may be billed to the client in most jurisdictions?

True. In most jurisdictions, the services of a paralegal can be billed to the client, provided that the paralegal is working under the supervision of a licensed attorney. However, the rules regarding billing and the extent of paralegal services may vary by jurisdiction, so it is important for attorneys to follow local regulations. Clients should also be informed about how paralegal services will be billed as part of their overall legal fees.


Does billing for paralegal services at market rates unfairly benefit the law firm?

No, billing for paralegal services at market rate doesn't unfairly benefit the firm, even if their costs are lower. The difference is profit for the firm.


What legal services can a paralegal perform in her own office?

Anything that does not involve the "practice" of law.


I am looking for para legal services in Montebello, Ca 90640?

I found a few in your area.Montebello Paralegal Services 706 Newmark Mall, Montebello Ca (323)728-7811 and SYM Paralegal Services 2451 W. Beverly Blvd, Montebello Ca (323)728-1758.


Where can one learn more about paralegal services?

There are many places one might go to learn more about paralegal services. One of the best and most under used places one might go to learn more would be one's local library.


What are the intials for a paralegal?

The initials for a paralegal are "P.L." which stands for paralegal.


How can I find paralegal help for my legal case?

To find paralegal help for your legal case, you can start by contacting local law firms or legal aid organizations. You can also search online for paralegal services in your area. Make sure to ask about their qualifications, experience, and fees before making a decision. It's important to choose a paralegal who is knowledgeable and trustworthy to assist you with your legal needs.


What is the difference between market rates for paralegals and the cost to the attorney for paralegal services?

It would be the markup by the law firm. S.Siddiq


What is an antonym for paralegal?

Attorney is an antonym for paralegal.


Can I get advice on how to become a paralegal?

To become a paralegal you must go to paralegal training. The basics of the legal system are taught.


How do you spell paralegal?

That is the correct spelling of "paralegal" (legal assistant).


How do you say im a paralegal in spanish?

Soy un procurador - I am a paralegal (male). Soy una procuradora - I am a paralegal (female).