Paralegals in United States
Practical Information
Note: Some of this information was last updated in 1982
The paralegal (or legal assistant) assists the attorney in those procedural matters that do not fall within the exclusive, deliberative province of the attorney. Paralegals frequently have a college education, including paralegal studies. Some firms train their most experienced legal secretaries for paralegal duties. Specific duties vary depending on the lawyer’s preference, but the following functions are within the general scope of the paralegal’s responsibilities: 1. Handling legal research and analyses
2. Drafting and preparing legal documents
3. Conducting preinterviews with clients and witnesses
4. Organizing and maintaining dockets and files
5. Preparing probate inventory
6. Assisting with inheritance, federal, and state tax returns
7. Indexing documents
8. Preparing legal digests Paralegals may also be assigned to those areas of law that involve litigation, estate administration, corporate law, and real estate law.
What is Paralegals?
For a meaning of it, read Paralegals in the Legal Dictionary here. Browse and search more U.S. and international free legal definitions and legal terms related to Paralegals.
Paralegals in State Statute Topics
Introduction to Paralegals (State statute topic)
The purpose of Paralegals is to provide a broad appreciation of the Paralegals legal topic. Select from the list of U.S. legal topics for information (other than Paralegals).
Paralegals as Exhibit Specialists
This section examines the Paralegals as Exhibit Specialists subject in its related phase of trial. In some cases, other key elements related to trials, such as personal injury, business, and criminal litigation, are also addressed.
Unauthorized Practice of Law and Liability Issues: Paralegals and Other Nonlawyers
This section discusses generally the subject of Unauthorized Practice of Law and Liability Issues: Paralegals and Other Nonlawyers, how to determine the facts essential to Unauthorized Practice of Law and Liability Issues: Paralegals and Other Nonlawyers, and, to some extent, how to prove it in litigation and defense. Related topics are also addressed.
Resources
Further Reading
- Information about Paralegals in the Gale Encyclopedia of American Law.
Paralegals in relation to Immigration Courts
(information based on the DoJ Manual) Paralegals are professionals who assist attorneys in the practice of law. They are not themselves licensed to practice law and therefore may not represent parties before the Immigration Court.
Paralegals in relation to Immigration Courts
(information based on the DoJ Manual) Paralegals are professionals who assist attorneys in the practice of law. They are not themselves licensed to practice law and therefore may not represent parties before the Immigration Court.