Many people are familiar with the term lawyer, but not everyone knows exactly what it means to be one or how to become one. Fortunately, there are other career options in the legal field that may interest you, such as paralegal services. But what exactly does a paralegal do? Keep reading to learn more about this exciting field.
What is Paralegal Services?
As with lawyers, paralegals are professionals who assist in litigation by gathering evidence, conducting research, and preparing paperwork for court proceedings. Paralegals may even take on some duties normally performed by lawyers such as giving legal advice to clients or negotiating settlements. At times, paralegals may also be called upon to appear in court on behalf of their clients. The decision regarding which services will be provided by a lawyer and which will be provided by a paralegal will depend upon state laws and individual practices of particular law firms; however, most frequently it’s up to each firm whether they use more attorneys or more paralegals.
How Does it Differ From a Lawyer?
Simply put, paralegals provide services that don’t require a law degree. While paralegals cannot represent people in court or offer legal counsel, they can research and prepare legal documents, including conducting interviews with clients and witnesses for depositions. Additionally, paralegals help manage cases by serving as liaisons between clients and attorneys. However, laws vary from state to state regarding what services paralegals can provide. For example, some states allow paralegals to file appeals and serve as notaries public; in other states, those tasks are reserved for licensed lawyers.
Requirements to Become a Paralegal
Preparing for a career as a paralegal isn’t easy; it takes time, hard work, and dedication. There are different requirements for becoming a paralegal in every state, but typically you must earn an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and then pass your state’s licensure exam. You can also gain entry-level experience while you attend school by working in law offices as a legal assistant. Although some employers only require that applicants have a high school diploma to be considered for employment, having a strong background in English and math will greatly increase your chances of being hired.
How Does it Differ From an Attorney?
A paralegal does many of the same things as an attorney and can practice law in some states. However, in most states, there are some things an attorney may do that only an attorney may do. For example, only attorneys may appear in court or sign documents on behalf of clients. A paralegal typically assists lawyers by performing legal research, conducting investigations, and preparing case documents such as motions and briefs. Many attorneys say they could not function without paralegals because they allow them to spend more time with their clients. A few states restrict what work a paralegal may perform. In most cases, however, when you hire a lawyer with a paralegal, you get both services for one price: what’s called paralegal plus or para law service.
Salary Expectations as a Paralegal
A typical salary for a paralegal ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. While you can make even more money as an experienced paralegal or by working in specialties like bankruptcy or real estate law, most entry-level paralegals earn between $35,000 and $45,000. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies to become licensed and work independently as a legal assistant or paralegal. College classes in accounting, litigation, computer science, and ethics are particularly valuable for future paralegals. Courses on court procedures, such as trial procedures and evidence rules will also help paralegals prepare for their jobs.