Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, are a distinguishable group of professional persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services.
Overview
Through formal education, training and experience, legal assistants have
knowledge and expertise regarding both the legal system and substantive and procedural laws which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.
A legal assistant/paralegal cannot give legal advice, represent a client in court, set a fee, or accept a case, functions generally considered the practice of law.
Working under the supervision of an attorney, the legal assistant’s work product becomes part of the attorney work product. In communications with clients and the public, the legal assistant’s nonlawyer status must be clear. Your role in the big picture is to help the attorney and the firm turn out the best work product for the client.
Academics
