Paralegals are basically paralegals. The simplest definition of a paralegal is provided by the UK’s National Association of Licensed Paralegals, which says that a paralegal is a person who is educated and trained to perform legal tasks, but who is not a qualified barrister or barrister.
Paralegals help lawyers with almost everything, including court trials. They study the case, investigate the facts, build an argument, and decide on a plan of action. Even the legal documents needed to file a lawsuit or pass a motion can be prepared by a legal assistant. A paralegal is very knowledgeable of a country’s laws and legal procedures.
The job of a paralegal is enormous. Within the realm of the law itself, they have many options. They may specialize in family law, criminal law, real estate, litigation, immigration, etc. However, they are not restricted to working in law firms even though 71% of paralegals work in law firms. They can be found in any corporate organization working on employment plans, shareholder plans, securing loans for the organization, managing finances, and even overseeing certain projects.
Although paralegals are now recognized in almost every country, there is much ambiguity and inconsistency regarding the authority, salary, and qualifications of a paralegal. In the US, paralegals are paralegals, but in Ontario, Canada, they are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada and are considered an official part of the legal system. This allows them to represent cases in the provincial felony court, small claims court, and criminal summary conviction court, but they are restricted to practice in certain areas, such as family law, which are for attorneys only.
In the US, the average annual salary for a paralegal is $67,600. In the UK, a legal assistant’s annual salary starts as low as £12,000, but can go as high as £80,000 if you work in the private sector. Some paralegals are also based on a daily or hourly basis to help in court and take notes. The salary of a paralegal depends mainly on her experience.
To become a paralegal, there is no set approach. One can become a paralegal either through experience and expertise or certification. Some colleges offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree, while others offer a 2-year certificate program or a graduate certificate in paralegal studies.
Today there are many possibilities for a paralegal, but the inconsistency in the definition and role of paralegals around the world makes it essential to understand the limitations and requirements set forth by each country in order to become a successful paralegal.
