Paralegals help attorneys prepare for hearings, trials, and meetings. Much like legal assistants, they work on cases for attorneys to take to trial. However, paralegals take on more legal tasks, including conducting client and witness interviews, researching laws and regulations, drafting legal documents, and summarizing court proceedings. They also take notes during trials, schedule meetings and depositions, and handle client billing.
If you’re considering a career as a paralegal, now could be a good time to get into the field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an average of 37,300 job openings for paralegal and legal assistants annually through 2033.
“Paralegals handle various administrative duties such as client billing, case preparation, and managing legal technology, and that drives efficiency in a firm,” says Jeffrey Gulley, JD, legal studies faculty member at Purdue Global. “I’ve been a licensed attorney for more than 30 years, and paralegals bring immense value to the table.”
This article examines the job responsibilities of a paralegal, which include:
- Researching relevant laws and regulations
- Filing briefs and appeals with the courts
- Drafting legal documents
- Taking notes during trials
- Scheduling meetings and depositions
- Handling client billing
1. Research Relevant Laws and Regulations
Paralegals conduct the bulk of a law practice’s research. They hunt down relevant laws, statutes, regulations, arguments, analyses, and precedents that form the basis of legal arguments and legal actions for their practice.
“Paralegals assist attorneys by completing legal research and validating sources of law,” Gulley says. “This is usually completed using the firm's subscription to Westlaw or LexisNexis.”
After finding relevant documents, paralegals must be able to examine them critically and determine how they can be used in a larger legal argument or counterargument. Successful paralegals can blend critical thinking with legal expertise to excel in their roles.
2. File Briefs and Appeals With the Courts
Much of the legal work is done outside the courtroom, and paperwork is a large part of the process. Briefs and appeal paperwork are extensive and must be filed promptly and correctly with the court.
Lawyers don’t usually handle all this work due to their other duties. A paralegal spends much of their time filing proper documents with the courts. An eye for detail is required to ensure the filings are correct and will be accepted by the courts.
This is especially true when filing appeals, as those courts look at minute details of cases to make sure they hold up. Documents that paralegals file with appellate courts must be letter-perfect.
3. Draft Legal Documents
Paralegals draft, revise, finalize, and keep organized almost every type of document seen by law firms. There are many types of documents in legal cases, and paralegals must keep up with the workload so the law firm can succeed.
Among other documents, paralegals draft:
- Depositions
- Discovery
- Memoranda
- Motions
- Notices
- Pleadings
- Settlements
- Trial briefs
- Trial motions
4. Take Notes During Trials
Paralegals may attend trials with an attorney. They will generally assist with taking notes and organizing exhibits for use during trials.
They are often charged with keeping detailed notes on how the trial is proceeding, ensuring the case is presented in a way that aligns with the initial strategy laid out by the legal team. They may also help devise changes in strategy or tactics to adjust the case as arguments are made and evidence is presented in court.
“I had a couple of great paralegals on my trial team who provided top-notch deposition summaries,” Gulley says.
5. Schedule Meetings and Depositions
Meetings and depositions are the lifeblood of legal proceedings, and attorneys depend on paralegals to schedule both tasks.
“Paralegals will also have more client contact, and they are often involved in initial client interviews and follow-up meetings,” Gulley says. “Paralegals can make your life a lot easier and help with organizing trial notebooks and overall trial prep. Especially for litigation attorneys, paralegals can be invaluable.”
6. Handle Client Billing
Client billing can also be a job for paralegals. Keeping track of hours is key to billing, and paralegals may have to confirm hours and find discrepancies.
“It depends on the law firm,” Gulley says. “Solo practices and smaller firms will usually have paralegals perform administrative tasks involving client billing. Paralegals will typically use time and billing software that the firm has installed."
Are Paralegals in Demand?
Here's the projected job growth for paralegals and legal assistants in your area.
General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.
Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Where Do Paralegals Work?
Paralegals mainly work in offices with other paralegals, attorneys, and legal support staff. They may occasionally travel to gather information, collect and review documents, accompany attorneys to depositions or trials, and do other tasks.
According to the most recent statistics reported by the BLS, there were 366,200 paralegals and legal assistants employed in 2023.
The largest employers of paralegals are:
- Legal services: 75%
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals: 5%
- Federal government, excluding postal service: 5%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: 3%
- Finance and insurance: 3%
“The great majority of attorneys are in private practice,” Gulley says. “So that's where most paralegals will be employed.”
Who Is a Good Fit for a Career as a Paralegal?
These are the defining characteristics and personality traits of someone who might enjoy working as a paralegal:
- Likes working with people
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
- Good teamwork skills
How to Become a Paralegal
Most paralegals have earned at least an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Some firms prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Purdue Global offers several online certificates and degrees in the legal services industry, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services
- Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these programs, request more information today.
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