Importance of Paralegals
Paralegals play a significant role in the law sector. By definition, a paralegal is a person who provides a limited number of legal services but not as a lawyer. In most cases, paralegals are not independent; instead, they are employed by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency or any other law entity. Although paralegals do not share the same glory as lawyers, they play a significant role in assisting lawyers to perform their statutory duties.
Paralegals are essential because they are detail-oriented. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, “because the law is complex and often ambiguous, paralegals must be intelligent and possess an analytical and logical mind.” Paralegals perform the small detailed tasks that need a keen eye. The law is binding, and a small mistake can make a huge difference in a court case or signing a contract deal. Paralegals make sure that all details in a legal document are double-checked to prevent tiny mistakes, which can alter the outcome of a legal situation.
Paralegals increase the availability of their employers. “Paralegals can review and organize client files, conduct factual and legal research, prepare documents for legal transactions, draft pleadings and discovery notices, interview clients and witnesses, and assist at closings and trials” (American Bar Association). Therefore, a lawyer is free to contact clients since they are not held up doing legal tasks that can be easily handled by a paralegal. Furthermore, communicate with clients increases when paralegal attends to the legal needs of a client on behalf of a lawyer.
Paralegals are essential because they provide legal services at a rate people can afford. Some kinds of legal services do not revolve around practising outright law; therefore, paralegals are there to provide general legal services that can also be provided by a lawyer (ParalegalEdu.Org). For instance, a paralegal can prepare documents, draft agreements, contracts and briefs for a company at a fraction of the cost that a lawyer would charge. Therefore, a lawyer can increase their income because paralegals increase the range of services offered by a law firm. Besides, a law firm can gain public trust by providing legal services at an affordable cost through paralegals.
Paralegals are effective communicators. Paralegals are keen on details, and they perform a thorough search before drafting legal documents. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, “paralegals can organize, analyze, communicate, and administer; interpersonal skills that serve paralegals include resolving conflicts, negotiating, and relating well with various types of persons, often when these persons are in distress.” In several instances, paralegals interact directly with opposing counsel, court clerks, support staff within the firm and potential clients. Since paralegals are excellent communicators, they can provide the breakthrough to a case by getting information through their communication and negotiation skills.
In conclusion, lawyers need paralegals to aid in performing through legal practice. Paralegals conduct thorough research and investigations and obtain all necessary information beforehand. Combined with their communication skills and keenness to details, paralegals are indispensable in the law sector. Every lawyer is bound to excel in the practice with the help of an efficient and thorough paralegal.
Works Cited
American Bar Association . Information for Lawyers: How Paralegals Can Improve Your Practice. 2019. 14 August 2019 <https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/profession-information/information_for_lawyers_how_paralegals_can_improve_your_practice/>.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations. “Paralegal Responsibilities.” National Federation of Paralegal Associations (2006): 69.
ParalegalEdu.Org. Paralegals and Legal Assistants. 2019. 14 August 2019 <https://www.paralegaledu.org/#main>.