Job Profile and Description:
A paralegal is like an assistant to lawyers who performs records and legal research, summarises legal documents, coordinates the research and then prepares reports on the basis of these findings, thereby helping his supervisor with a case
Duties and Responsibilities
- A paralegal has to conduct extensive research pertaining to matters related to a particular case
- He checks legal forms for accuracy and makes reports
- He make correspondence and drafts various legal documents
- He needs to prepare declarations and make form complaints
- He helps lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials and meetings
- Sometimes they have to investigate the facts of cases and make sure that all relevant information has been considered
- They identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, related past cases, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases
- After analyzing and documenting the information, paralegals write reports that lawyers use in their cases
- They help to make documents like mortgages, prepare tax returns, establish trust funds, and also look after the finances of the firm
Skills and Specifications
- Good research skills are extremely important for a paralegal, especially in legal matters
- He should document everything related to a case and interview witnesses
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written are necessary
- He must be organised and work in a tight schedule
- He should have the basic knowledge of computers which will help him in data entry
- A paralegal must have in depth knowledge of legal terms and principles
- He should have an analytical bent of mind and able to study legal documents for accuracy
Education and Qualifications
A number of colleges offer bachelors and master’s degree on paralegal studies and it is better to enroll in one of them to have an edge over other applicants as these courses teach the basic duties of a legal assistant.
