A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, government agency, or other entity, who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility.

properly supervised paralegal participates in many substantive and procedural aspects of legal work. Responsibilities will vary depending upon the particular area of legal practice and may include:

• interviewing clients
• drafting pleadings and other legal documents
• drafting correspondence
• conducting factual and legal research
• maintaining client files
• locating and interviewing witnesses
• assisting in discovery

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Correct grammar usage, sentence structure, and proper spelling are also essential. A good paralegal is highly organized, able to work well under pressure, and has critical thinking skills.

Traditionally, paralegals work to provide legal support services for lawyers, whether in a law firm, a corporate legal office or for a government agency, but there are a few unique exceptions to the rule…

Independent paralegals provide direct assistance to the public, offering services like document preparation and even court representation in select circumstances and where permitted by statutory authority or court rule. This means they are able to perform certain limited legal services without attorney supervision.

In Arizona and California, paralegals can gain recognition as document preparers and offer these services as independent business owners. Washington state allows qualified paralegals to earn a Limited License Legal Technician license and perform limited services and representation related to family law for people who can’t afford an attorney. But that’s it. No other states have provisions that allow paralegals to work without answering up to – if only indirectly – an attorney licensed through the state bar.

Paralegals can offer many benefits, such as price. Technically, a 'paralegal' is a trained legal assistant supervised by an attorney. A 'paralegal' who works on their own is called an 'independent paralegal' because they are not supervised by a lawyer. ... A paralegal is more than a clerical person.

Although paralegals are not allowed by law to give legal advice, they are able to assist the attorney with all types of legal work and essentially have the same duties as an attorney. ... Paralegals are also allowed to reword documentation and help attorneys craft agreements that will be used in court.