While a law degree takes seven years to complete and requires passing a State Bar exam, those who want to work in the legal field may consider a career as a paralegal. Paralegals do everything a lawyer does, short of practicing law; that is setting legal fees, giving legal advice and presenting cases in court.
The duties of a paralegal will vary depending on the type of company they work for. Most paralegals work for law firms, corporate legal departments and government organizations. From the company level, areas of focus and specialties are broken down into a myriad of topics.
In general, a paralegal can expect be involved with:
- Assisting lawyers prepare for hearings, trials or corporate meetings
- Fact checking and investigation
- Researching case law
- Writing case summaries
- Preparation and organization of case research, notes and legal documents
- Drafting legal documents like mortgages, contracts and instruments of trust
Additional duties may apply depending on the specialty of the law firm. The size of the law firm can also determine a paralegal's job description; with smaller and medium sized firms requiring more general knowledge and flexibility and larger firms allowing specialties to develop.
Use of computers is an essential part of a paralegal's job. Microsoft Word templates are often used to draft legal documents and computer based research of legal databases is standard.
The paralegal profession offers a steady, well paying career for people who want to work in the legal field without becoming attorneys. Paralegal training will also give a "leg up" to those who do want to become a lawyer as well.
