Paralegal: Overview, definition and example
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal is a legal professional who assists lawyers by handling tasks like research, drafting documents, and managing case files. While paralegals are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the law, they’re not licensed to provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
For example, a paralegal might help a lawyer prepare contracts, review evidence for a case, or draft legal correspondence.
Why are paralegals important?
Paralegals are important because they support lawyers in delivering legal services efficiently and cost-effectively. By handling much of the behind-the-scenes work, paralegals free up lawyers to focus on more complex legal matters, saving time and reducing costs for clients.
In businesses, paralegals play a key role in managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and assisting with legal disputes. They’re an integral part of any legal team, providing expertise and organization.
Understanding a paralegal’s role through an example
Imagine a company is drafting a partnership agreement. The paralegal might research relevant laws, create an initial draft of the agreement, and ensure that all necessary clauses are included. The lawyer then reviews and finalizes the document.
In another case, a paralegal might assist a law firm by organizing and summarizing evidence for a corporate dispute, helping the lawyer build a strong case without spending time on administrative tasks.
An example of a paralegal clause
Here’s how a clause involving paralegal services might look in a legal services agreement:
“The Client acknowledges that certain tasks under this Agreement may be performed by paralegals or other legal assistants under the supervision of an attorney, and such services shall be billed at the applicable rate.”
Conclusion
A paralegal is a trained professional who supports lawyers by handling legal and administrative tasks. They’re essential for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring thorough preparation in legal matters.
By understanding the role of paralegals, businesses and clients can better appreciate their contributions to the legal process and how they help deliver high-quality legal services.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.