The paralegal job description and duties are very close to a lawyer’s. A paralegal is an assistant by definition, however, the responsibility is much higher and the job requires a high level of professionalism.

Professional paralegals can actually do what lawyers do, and sometimes even more, if they have enough experience. The only difference between a paralegal and a lawyer is the fact that they haven’t been qualified by a law school; therefore, they are not officially lawyers. Paralegals are not allowed to represent clients, sign documents or advise clients.

Typical Assignments:

Determined by the case, the paralegal job description can vary: doing paper work, helping young attorneys, dealing with marriages, mortgages, wills, trusts and divorces.  A new paralegal might get overwhelmed by the amount of information to learn in a very short time. He or she will witness the actual “battles” behind the scenes and all the research and reading that’s needed before going to court to win the trial.

In fact, research and reading plays a big part in the paralegal’s work. Lawyers often let their paralegals do the research and paper work, knowing that the paralegal will do it as well as they can. By letting the paralegal handle those tasks, lawyers have more time to be in court, meet clients, and discuss strategies with their partners.

It’s Not Just The Money

Whenever young people hear about the paralegal job description, they say they want to go for it. It’s not just the money, although there is good money to made, but this job has some extra benefits. They feel as if they are lawyers themselves and they feel appreciated.

That’s why most paralegals say they are satisfied in their job, and unlike many other people, they don’t get bored. Paralegals don’t do the 9 to 5 routine, sitting behind the desk in the office, drinking coffee and chatting with the secretary. Adrenaline and deadlines are familiar to them and they love it.

If you ask old paralegals whether or not they prefer to be actual lawyers, half of them will say no and explain that the lawyer’s work is more stressful and sometimes exhausting. Some will also say that they don’t feel they could stand in court and represent a client, fighting with other lawyers and speaking to the jury. On the other hand, they know what it takes to win the case. They know the rules, they know the business and they know how to get the job done, the rest is for the lawyer.

Can I Work for the Government?

The average paralegal can choose whether they want to work for the government or for a private law firm. A paralegal must have a pleasant personality and should know what it means to be “politically correct” when needed, just like everybody else in this job.

Those who wish to become paralegals must be able to work under stress and deadlines. They must be very organized and they must be able to read and research as fast as possible. They have to think outside the box, find the facts and chase the truth.

The paralegal job description includes a variety of tasks and requires skills, ambition, an open mind and diligence. Attorneys need paralegals on a daily basis and some of them can’t even imagine themselves without their paralegal. The job is well respected, the money is great and there are plenty of law firms to enter. If you have the qualities needed and the right attitude, you can do well.