A Day in the Life of a Paralegal

A Day in the Life of a Paralegal

A paralegal is a right hand man to many – attorneys, government agencies, law offices, and corporations. They are trained to prepare legal documents and research, as well as perform investigative work. They work in every area of law, giving clerical support where needed. 

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a paralegal is defined as “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 and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Paralegals are known for their recognition, communication, evaluation, analysis, and organizational skills. If you feel you’re up to the challenge, read below to learn more about a day in the life of a paralegal: 

Legal Research and Presentations

A large part of this consists of conducting legal research and gathering relevant information to the case. This includes researching the facts of the case as well as identifying the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles relevant to the case

Client Interviews

Interviewing is another important part of being a paralegal. A paralegal normally does not conduct the initial client interview where the attorney obtains information about the legal problems of the client. However, they are often present in order to observe the questioning and take notes so they are prepared to conduct subsequent interviews with clients and witnesses

Drafting Legal Documents

A large part of a paralegal’s day is spent drafting legal documents. This can include drafting correspondence and pleadings. Many of those pleadings would include complaints, subpoenas, interrogatories, deposition notices, pretrial orders, and legal briefs. Paralegal training in verbal and written communication is essential and key to success.

Law Office Administration

Paralegals are oftentimes expected to handle administrative tasks Paralegals are responsible for maintaining the schedule for their Attorney and spend their time each day talking with clients, lawyers, witnesses, experts, and court personnel to schedule interviews, hearings, meetings, depositions, and trials.

Interested in pursuing a career as a Paralegal? Check out our Paralegal Studies program here.