What is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a person who assists the attorneys in the delivery of legal services. A paralegal is also known as legal assistant. A paralegal should be qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work. Substantive work of paralegal includes recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of legal facts. Paralegal cannot represent a client. Attorneys are responsible for the legal work delegated to paralegals. The attorney is held responsible for ethical violations committed by a paralegal. Paralegals are members of national and local associations and they should follow the ethical codes of those associations.

Paralegals are of great assistance to attorneys in that they help the attorneys to prepare complex cases. They are prohibited from practicing law without license. Paralegals are not allowed to give legal advice. All work performed by the paralegals must be under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals can conduct interviews and maintain general contact with the client. They can locate and interview witnesses and draft legal documents and pleadings. Paralegals can conduct legal research and attend court or administrative hearings and trials with the attorney.

Paralegals generally work with attorneys, judges, prosecutors and public defenders. They also work with corporations, banks, consumer organizations, finance companies, accounting firms, real estate agencies, advertising agencies, engineering firms, government agencies and insurance companies. Paralegal may work as freelancers in private practice. Paralegals can also specialize in special areas such as health care, family law, civil litigation, environmental protection, personal injury and criminal law.

Most of the paralegals would have completed a bachelor?s degree in paralegal studies. A certified paralegal is one who has completed the voluntary certification program of a professional association. The American Association for Paralegal Education, National Association of Paralegals and National Federation of Paralegal Associations conduct different certification programs for paralegals. Paralegal is not a licensed profession in United States.

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