What Are Paralegal Services?

Paralegals provide essential legal services to attorneys, law firms and organizations. They may work in an office setting or remotely, assisting attorneys with research, document preparation, and other administrative tasks. Despite their important role, many people are not aware of the various tasks that paralegals perform, or the qualifications necessary to become a qualified paralegal.

Introduction

Paralegals are key figures in the legal profession. They are responsible for the preparation and execution of legal documents, organization of data within legal cases, and many other necessary functions. To qualify as a paralegal, an individual must typically have completed a successful bachelor's degree in an area such as paralegal studies or legal studies.

Discovery Management

Discovery is one of the main services provided by paralegals. It consists of the process by which one party in litigation can request relevant information from the other party. Paralegals are responsible for managing this process, including researching and compiling the information requested by the parties. They may also be responsible for reviewing documents for applicable laws and regulations and making sure that all of the necessary paperwork is filed properly.

Witness Coordination

In addition to discovery management, paralegals may also be responsible for coordinating the participation of witnesses in a legal proceeding. This involves contacting witnesses, ensuring their availability, and organizing documents for review prior to the trial. The paralegal may also serve as a liaison between the witnesses and attorneys, gathering testimonies and statements for use in the case.

Deposition Summarization

Another important task for paralegals is to summarize depositions. This involves taking notes on the testimony of witnesses and preparing a concise summary of the facts presented by the witness. Paralegals should be familiar with the rules of evidence and be able to distinguish between relevant and non-relevant testimony.

Legal Transcription

Another key task for paralegals is legal transcription. This involves transcribing recordings of legal proceedings, such as depositions or court hearings. The end product should be a precise and legal record of the proceedings that can be used by attorneys or clients. This requires a high level of detail and accuracy, so the paralegal must pay close attention to the recording and be familiar with legal jargon.

Contract Review

Contract review is another service that paralegals provide. This involves reviewing contracts to ensure that they conform to all applicable laws and regulations. Paralegals may be responsible for evaluating the validity of contracts, making sure they are airtight, and making recommendations for changes if necessary. Paralegals should also be aware of any statutes, precedent cases, or regulations that may affect the contract and be able to explain this to the attorneys.

Intellectual Property Assistance

In addition to contract review, paralegals may also provide assistance with intellectual property law. This includes researching trademarks, copyrights, and patents, as well as helping clients obtain patent and trademark applications and registrations.

Bankruptcy Filings Support

Paralegals may also assist attorneys with filing for bankruptcy. This involves familiarizing the client with the process, gathering the necessary documents, and filing the appropriate paperwork with the courts. Paralegals may also be responsible for negotiating with creditors on behalf of the client and preparing any necessary documents for court hearings.

Family Law Assistance

Paralegals may also be involved in family law-related tasks. This can include drafting separation agreements, filing for divorce, preparing adoption paperwork, and assisting with child custody cases.

Immigration Paperwork Assistance

Paralegals may also be called upon to assist with immigration paperwork. This can include helping clients complete and submit the necessary paperwork for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, or other immigration-related issues. Here, the paralegal must be versed in the United States immigration process and understand the laws regarding immigration.

Legal Correspondence

Legal correspondence is another service typically provided by paralegals. This includes drafting letters and other correspondence to be sent to clients, opposing parties, and other attorneys. These letters should be drafted in such a way as to properly communicate legal information while adhering to legal standards.

Summary Review

Finally, paralegals may also be called upon to review summaries of legal cases. This involves reading through a transcript of a case or summary of a legal document and summarizing the pertinent facts and legal situations in such a way as to inform the clients or attorneys.

Conclusion

Above, we have discussed the various roles and tasks that paralegals typically perform. From document preparation and contract review to witness coordination and legal transcription, these professionals provide essential services to the legal profession. Those considering a career in paralegal studies should have a strong understanding of the legal system and be able to effectively communicate legal information.