What's the Job Function of a Paralegal?

I'm curious about what a paralegal does daily. If I'm considering a career related to law, would this be a good stepping stone? Are there particular skills needed to succeed in this role?

A paralegal is essentially a legal assistant who works in law offices under the guidance of attorneys. They take on a variety of tasks that are incredibly crucial to the operation of a law firm. Let me break down a bit more what a day in the life of a paralegal may look like.

Daily responsibilities may include conducting research on legal issues, drafting legal documents, preparing reports, managing case files, scheduling appointments or court dates, meeting with clients, and assisting lawyers during trials. It's a multifaceted role that requires a lot of organization and attention to detail.

Being a paralegal could be a great stepping stone if you're considering a career in law. Many paralegals later go on to law school, as the experience and knowledge they gain on the job can be incredibly valuable. However, it's not strictly a prerequisite and many pursue law school without any paralegal experience.

The skills needed to succeed as a paralegal include strong organizational abilities, excellent research and writing skills, attention to detail, and good interpersonal skills since interaction with clients is a large part of the job. Computer literacy is also important as there's a significant amount of work done on legal software and databases.

It's also important to note that to be a paralegal, one typically needs a certificate in paralegal studies, often pursued after obtaining a bachelor's degree, although some firms might hire individuals with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training. There are also associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies for those who know earlier on that this is the career path they want to take.

So yes, if you're interested in the legal field, a paralegal role could be a great fit or at least a valuable experience. It's a job that'll certainly keep you on your toes and provide you with a deep understanding of how a law firm functions.