Paralegal

What is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a trained and certified professional who assists lawyers in various tasks, including summarizing, researching, investigating, and retrieving records. They work in law offices, helping attorneys prepare cases.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a paralegal is defined as “a person, qualified through education, training, or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function that involves the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of an attorney, of specifically delegated substantive legal work.” As such, while being unable to present in court, paralegals work within the legal system and support attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and assisting in trial preparation. They play a crucial role in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other legal settings by handling administrative and substantive legal work under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

Paralegals contribute significantly to the legal profession by providing essential support to attorneys and helping to ensure the efficient delivery of legal services. Their specialized knowledge and skills enable law firms and legal departments to manage caseloads effectively and meet client needs while upholding professional standards and ethical obligations.