What is a Paralegal?

Paralegals are not attorneys but rather work side by side with attorneys handling cases and the day to day activities of the law office.


The Difference between a Paralegal and an Attorney

Attorneys have a more extensive education, give legal advice and set fees whereas a paralegal is degreed but not authorized by the government to offer legal advice, and would be in violation of the unauthorized practice of law statutes.

The major difference between a paralegal and an attorney is the attorney’s primary job is to consider, analyze and strategize, whereas a paralegal's primary responsibility is to carry out the tasks arising from that consideration, analysis and strategy.


Paralegal duties can include but are not limited to:


Initial Contact

Conducting the client’s initial appointment or first contact with the law office during which they thoroughly document the client’s personal information, their complaint and pass the gathered information on to the attorney for further analysis.


Draft Documents

Drafting correspondence, interoffice memoranda, demands, briefs, pleadings and all legal documents that need to be filed with the court system. These tasks are crucial in the functioning of the legal office.


Transcribing Documents

Transcribing the attorney’s dictated letters, memos, pleadings and other legal documents, either from digital recordings or analog tapes and deliver them to the office or your inbox. Dictation may be phoned-in for prompt transcription.


Maintain Calendars

Creating and maintaining the attorney’s calendar including the all important Court Calendar and charting important deadlines. The timing of documents being filed with the courts is the crux of the legal system. If a filing deadline is missed, the entire case is in jeopardy and maybe dismissed.


Legal Investigations

Legal investigations to be carried are often done by the paralegal. Facts about cases will be gathered by interviewing important clients and witnesses about relevant records and data.


Legal Research

Legal research, which is a significant part of a paralegal's job responsibilities. Research involves searching through court cases via a variety of routes and obtaining related information that will assist the case at hand. This task is large and can be time-consuming.


Trial Preparation

When preparation for trial, a paralegal helps with all the critical planning involved, such as drafting a trial notebook and preparing exhibits and other documents needed for presentation.


Consumer Services


ESTATE PLANNING


  • Power of Attorney
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
  • Living Will
  • Traditional Last Will and Testament
  • Revocable Living Trust
  • Pet Care Provisions in your Last Will and Testament

FAMILY LAW


  • Alimony
  • Annulment
  • Dissolution
  • Divorce
  • Separation Agreement
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Child Custody/Support
  • Adoption

CONSUMER LAW


  • Bankruptcy
  • Small Claims
  • Letters of Complaint:

LANDLORD/TENANT


  • Eviction
  • Leases
  • Notices
  • Service

CRIMINAL


  • Appeals
  • Crime Victims
  • Initial Hearings
  • Plea Negotiations
  • Writs

NOTARY


  • Mobile Service
  • Auto
  • Closings
  • Signings

PATENTS/TRADEMARKS


  • Application
  • Maintenance

SENIOR CITIZEN ISSUES

 

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Green Card
Citizenship
Extend Your Stay
Temporary Visitor
Adoption