Paralegal Professional Program: Behind Every Great Lawyer is a Great Paralegal

Paralegals work under the direct supervision of a lawyer or attorney. It is important that there are clearly defined roles as they are not allowed to give legal advice or perform duties that are meant for licensed attorneys and lawyers. According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, these are some of the roles and tasks that a paralegal would be expected to perform:

Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client. Locate and interview witnesses. Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research. Conduct legal research. Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings. Summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony. Attend executions of wills, real estate closings, depositions, court or administrative hearings and trials with the attorney. Author and sign correspondence provided the paralegal status is clearly indicated and the correspondence does not contain independent legal opinions or legal advice.