Paralegals
A paralegal may also be called a legal assistant.
Paralegals can perform many of the tasks lawyers perform, but cannot represent a client in court or give legal advice.
Paralegals may work for a law office, government agency or independently.
Paralegals may specialize in many areas, including:
• Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Family Law
• Labor or Employee Benefits
• Criminal Law
A paralegal skills include:
• Research
• Presentation
• Documentation
• Preparation of paperwork and forms
Paralegals may earn voluntary certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Paralegals who have passed NALA exams may use the term Certified Legal Assistant (CLA).
When choosing a paralegal, make sure they are:
• Taking classes in continuing legal education
• Staying aware of new developments in laws that affect their practice
Before hiring a paralegal, make sure about how they:
• Calculate their billing charges
• Get billing charges in writing
• Ask for a written estimate for your case
• !!! BE PREPARED !!!. Have your documents and a list of questions ready before you go to a paralegal's office.
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