What does a Paralegal do?
Just Short of a Lawyer
A paralegal is a lawyers go to guy. Paralegals do almost everything except actual litigation, and that to because they don’t have a license to practice. They help lawyers research for their cases, prepare memos that re presented to clients and write important documents that are submitted to courts before and during court proceedings.
Essential Member of the Team
If you are working with a law firm you will be an integral part of their litigation team. You may not be going to court but behind the scenes it is your work that determines whether a case will be won or lost. A paralegal will sometimes attend meetings with clients and make notes so that evidentiary questions can be answered. They write detail write ups for courts stating the grievance if you’re a prosecutor and the rebuttal if you’re the defense.
Multitude of Options
If you plan to work, or are working in a specialized law firm then your duties will change accordingly. A criminal law paralegal will be more in line with evidentiary questions and write ups whereas a corporate paralegal will get write for government security and exchange agencies.
Academic Options
At the same time you have the option to go into academics and become research assistants. Professors who are writing legal theoretical papers for journals as well as lawyers who are writing books are always looking for hardworking individuals, who know the law, are hardworking and can manage research efficiently. Paralegals fit this definition perfectly. So if you live near a university that has a law department then get in touch with the department. They might be offering a job right now. If you have been working in a law firm then there is a good chance that some of the senior lawyers could be looking for research assistants.
As a Secretary
A paralegal can also work as a legal secretary. They are responsible for managing all appointments and schedules for senior lawyers. A paralegal has the responsibility of timely submission of all relevant documents. An omission in such a duty can lead to the whole case becoming problematic. The reputation of the attorney also suffers in such circumstances.
So Many Options
The job of a paralegal is thus not limited to law offices. They can easily get jobs in government offices, courts, district attorney’s office, private firms, companies, hospitals, schools and insurance offices. Thus by becoming a paralegal you wont limit your work experience to law offices but still retain the option of working in an area of your interest.
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