Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

Published on: 19 March 2021 Last Updated on: 14 October 2024

Working in law is not an easy endeavor. Multiple roles and designations keep this sector afloat. While lawyers and judges are primarily associated with law, you can’t ignore the importance of paralegals and legal assistants who ensure that the court system can do its job. Even though you are working for a lawyer as an assistant and paralegal, these are not the same job professions. Here’s how both career paths differentiate from each other:

What Do They Do?

Understanding what their jobs entail is an excellent place to start to build your knowledge on what a paralegal does compare to a legal assistant, and here’s how:

Paralegal:

As a paralegal, you are helping a lawyer with their cases. That means you conduct all relevant research work on laws and draft legal documents with the best supporting evidence for a lawyer to be used in court.

They also assist a lawyer prepare trail reports and file appeals with the opposing counsel. Since paralegals also specialize in criminal law, real estate law, and immigration policies, they have the legal rights to bill clients for their work. However, legal assistants cannot do the same.

Legal Assistants:

As a legal assistant, your job is more on the administrative side than regular work. You will help a lawyer prepare legal documents such as subpoenas and take their phone calls for them.

You’re also critical in reminding the lawyer about their court appearances and helping them schedule their appointments and workload. You will also be vital in greeting clients and ensuring all emails get a response. Your work will include organizing all the relevant paperwork a lawyer may need, such as statements and evidence, and file them appropriately. Finally, you prepare bills for a lawyer’s clients, but you cannot bill them for your services.

However, suppose you wish to try your hand as in law and work your way from a paralegal to an independent lawyer. In that case, there are many exciting and well-structured online programs for you, such as an online criminal justice degree. This degree is not only the first stepping stone into your promising career. Still, it provides you with the necessary resources to do well as a legal practitioner.

Where Do These Fields Differ?

When you are aware of what a legal assistant’s and a paralegal’s job entails, it is easy to dive deeper and study their differences more comprehensively:

1. Skills:

As a paralegal, you may find yourself sharing certain skill sets with a legal assistant. However, since your job requires you to work within the legal framework, you should know how to take legal actions known as litigation charges organization breach of contract. You will need to know how to use Microsoft Office or any equivalent word processor to prepare your documents. Also, learn how to compile a proper document that follows standard documentation format. You will need to know how to carry out research and make use of the evidence you have.

You will need to schedule meetings and remind the lawyer to attend all-important court appearances and meetings. You should know the basic law framework and know-how to enter all relevant data.

2. Experience:

Most law firms ask for paralegals who have some experience of working in law. Most ask for at least a minimum of three to five years of work experience. Suppose you go with only entry-level expertise with no experience to only two years of experience. Chances are you may not get a job as a paralegal and given the competition in this sector alone. You trim down your options further if you don’t take advantage of every opportunity before applying for a job.

As a legal assistant, your job experience is not under heavy scrutiny. Whether you’re new to the job or have been working for a while, you can quickly secure a job yourself. It is not unheard of for paralegals to start as legal assistants and interns before applying for higher employment opportunities till they’re eligible to work as a paralegal.

3. Salary:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most paralegals can earn $49,500, while a legal assistant can earn $44,180. However, these wages can go higher, and in 2019, they had crossed the $50,000th mark. Your salaries mainly depend on your employer. If you choose to work in a private setting than a non-profit, you have higher chances of earning more.

4. Education:

As a paralegal, you will need to have solid formal education to find employment. You will need to attend a bachelor’s program in legal studies or paralegal studies. Then appear for your examinations. You will also need to intern while you study. And getting work right after your bachelor’s may become problematic if you choose to skip out on all opportunities and directly apply to a law firm.

As a legal assistant, you may need to look into a bachelor’s degree and get a certificate in paralegal studies. However, you may start your job right away after you graduate as a legal assistant. You don’t need to do many internships, but it helps to walk in with some experience.

Wrap Up:

If you are looking for a law career, becoming a paralegal or a legal assistant is a good start. These two professions are just as important as the lawyer itself. Without the proper help, a lawyer may struggle in staying on top of their cases and not know how to make compelling cases. As a paralegal, your job will be working with the lawyer and their clients, especially for the legal system. As a legal assistant, you will make sure all appointments happen on time. All relevant documents are in the system.

Clear Career Path Advice

One area missing in this debate is clear advice on which path might be best for you. While the differences between a paralegal and a legal assistant are outlined, it’s important to help you figure out which role fits your skills and interests.

If you prefer administrative work, becoming a legal assistant may be more appealing.

However, if you love doing legal research and working directly with clients, the paralegal route might be a better fit. So, reflect on what you enjoy most!

Day-to-Day Tasks

It would also help to include more real-life examples of what a typical day looks like for both roles.

For instance, a legal assistant might start the day answering calls and organizing files, while a paralegal could be deep in legal research for an upcoming trial.

This way, you can get a clearer idea of what your day-to-day might look like in either role.

Future Career Growth

Another missing point is career growth opportunities for both positions. Where could these roles take you in the future?

As a legal assistant, you might eventually become a paralegal, and as a paralegal, you could decide to go to law school and become a lawyer. These roles could be stepping stones to bigger career opportunities if you want to advance further in the legal field.

You do not have to be stuck in either of the positions!

Read Also:

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How to Get Copy of a Divorce Decree

A divorce decree is a document which is the most authentic proof of the fact that a couple that was previously married is now divorced. Therefore, the couple must be mindful of keeping it safely post their divorce. Most divorce lawyers in Delhi would also advise their client to continue to have possession of the divorce decree even years after their divorce since it is not always possible to foresee the purposes for which that divorce decree might be needed in future. This blog shall aim to stress the importance of a divorce decree and acquaint our readers with the importance of keeping a divorce decree safe, even years after the divorce has been finalized. The reason why a divorce decree is so important is that it bears the official seal and stamp of the court’s officer or the court clerk. The decree duly delivered by a judicial magistrate is likely to contain, apart from the fact that the couple is divorced, also details pertaining to custody, alimony, visitation, maintenance, division of assets and liabilities, etc. Why a Divorce Decree is Important? Suppose that a divorced person wants to remarry. Before issuing him a marriage registration certificate, the first thing that the marriage registrar is going to ask for is a divorce decree relating to the previous marriage because, barring Mohammedan law, the personal laws of almost all other religions prohibit bigamy and polygamy. Another instance where a party may require a copy of a divorce decree is to ascertain their rights before the court if the other party/spouse defaults in performing his duties under the divorce decree. For instance, if the other spouse, denies the first spouse visitation rights to the child, or the other spouse defaults in payment of monthly maintenance or alimony to the first spouse, then, to be able to enforce these rights before a court of law, the aggrieved spouse shall definitely need a certified and true copy of the divorce decree. The divorce decree shall act as conclusive proof of the rights to which the aggrieved spouse is entitled to and therefore cannot be rebutted by any other evidence in a court law. The court will then, on seeing a copy of the divorce decree, prima facie hold the defaulting party in contempt of court. How can you get your Divorce Decree Made? For all the above-mentioned purposes, possession of a divorce decree is incumbent. If the person fails to possess one, he or she must apply to the court for obtaining a certified copy of the same. As a first step, what the party can do is to approach his or her lawyer, which he or she had hired for their divorce case. Lawyers usually maintain a record of documents of all their cases until a reasonable amount of time. This, they do because even they realize the importance of legal documents and in order to render to their client an enhanced service, they prefer keeping a file wise record of all the essential documents of all their cases. If the party had not hired a lawyer and had obtained their divorce on their own, or if their lawyers also do not have a copy of the same, the party will necessarily have to approach the court, which had granted them their divorce decree. Specific Details that a Divorce Decree needs to have For this purpose, the party will require knowledge of certain details, pertaining to the year of his or her divorce, the court, which granted the divorce, the name of the judge or bench, which granted the divorce, etc. These details will help the court clerk to easily access the case and find the divorce decree for that particular matter. Once the decree is found, all that the party has to do is to collect the said, certified and true copy of the divorce decree, paid the requisite fee to the concerned court clerk and then that copy of the divorce decree shall be duly handed over to the applicant party. However, notwithstanding the fact that the court clerk may obtain a copy of the divorce decree from the court clerk, there always exists the possibility that even the court loses track of such record and the copy of the divorce decree is not found in the court’s record even after an expansive search. It is therefore advisable that the parties themselves maintain a copy of such important legal document for as long as they live. Read Also: How To Bring Up Divorce With Your Spouse What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Illinois? Top 7 Reasons To Hire A Private Detective Agency During Divorce Cases

Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have a Will

Time does not stop for anyone, and life can often bring about unexpected circumstances that no one can ever be fully ready for. No one wants to think about the end of the line, but a little extra work now can help you care for your family even after you’re gone. It can be easy to assume that someone as young as 18 does not need a will. The spontaneity of life can prove this invalid, and also young people have many things that are worth money and could be lost in the shuffle. Every person over the age of 18 should go about the process of getting a will just in case. When the time comes you will want everything to be in order to take the stress off of those already grieving. Look through this list of reasons and see if any apply to you or a young person you know, one is sure to. 1. Young People Have Valuable Possessions Just because a person is barely considered an adult does not mean that they do not have any valuable possessions. You wouldn’t want someone laying claim to something of yours just to sell it. Therefore, it should go to the right person. The amount of money people spend on teenagers or children over the years is increasing. Especially with the growing number of toys and technology that are accessible. Some young adults manage to accumulate a great amount of worth in video games, movies, or even dividends on the internet. 2. Children When a young person passes away, children become orphans. Even if they do not have children now, one needs to predetermine a guardian. This can happen if one creates a will with a correct and legal approach. Choose someone who you know will take the best care of your children. Someone who would be happy to, not someone who would just be stuck with them. There may also be something you would want to leave to them in particular. Something that is special between the two of you, or even an heirloom that was given to you. 3. Leave Less Stress A loved one experiencing a loss may not be able to think clearly enough to deal with all of your affairs. It is never easy to go through a loved one’s things. Others may not know your exact feelings on certain things or people and something important to you could be left out. When someone passes without requests it is common for rifts to form within a family over what should be done. With your direction in hand, there is no argument to be had. Creating a will in many ways transfers the responsibility to a legal entity. This can be helpful for the family member, as they will not be required to go over every detail of the same. You do not know what is going to happen the next moment. If you wish to more on summary probate, please click on the link. 4. People Receive Exactly What You Decided There are certain things that some may argue over who they belong to, even those who take things because they are unrightfully in possession of them. When writing a will, if the worst occurs, all of the important valuables in your life should go to a specific person. It has to be someone you absolutely trust because then that person can divide it among others. Sentimental items can be of huge importance to some. So, it is vital to designate the right things to those you feel would honor them properly. 5. Digital Assets Technology is an integral part of life, especially those of young adults. The option of having digital assets is less thought of when developing a will, but it is now becoming necessary, This includes video games or online money wallets. Without your will these things can be lost forever, locked behind a password only you knew. 6. Separate Beliefs Than Parents If you want a specific arrangement dealing with your funeral or burial, it can be vital to state it; otherwise, those responsible may not know. For instance, if donating your body to science is what you prefer, it is not likely to happen unless you specifically state it. Religious beliefs can also come into play for certain burial procedures, such as cremation or donating organs. 7. Sentimental Value Leaving possessions to the proper people can be helpful for sentimental belongings that would be monumental. Sometimes a dear gift to a close friend can mean a lot and help them bear the situation as well. Much of dealing with loss is carrying pieces of the person with you. This can actually be done. You would want sentimental items like photographs and such to be thrown away. It may look like trash to whoever is cleaning the space, but it might be special to someone dealing with the loss of you. 8. Protect Inheritances If you have been left an inheritance, even if you are as young as 18 if you unexpectedly perish there is no clear answer of who will receive the inheritance if you are unmarried. The same goes for deciding the beneficiary of life insurance. It may fall to someone who has never even been involved in their life like an absent father, or estranged family when it should go to a child or other significant person. 9. You Can Always Change Your Mind Wills are official documents that can be altered at any point in a person’s life. With authorized assistance, you can always update it for others who may come into or leave your life. Updating will be important when it comes to new assets as well. You can do it easily with professional assistance. Plus, company like Verhaeghe Law Office can provide all the elaborate explanations of a will and its uses. 10. Always Be Prepared Long life is promised to no one. Writing a will can be challenging and bringing yourself to do it can be depressing. However, preparing your estate is an important responsibility that can help those close to you through the mourning process. Everyone Needs A Will There are many methods of writing a will, and only knowing them will make you successfully convey your final wants. You can include letters with important aspects of your will. This will explain what makes the inheritance and the person special to you. Research examples of wills so you can find the correct format. It may also help you consider the exact types of possessions you need for the layout. Consider all these things and be satisfied knowing, no matter your age, that a will is necessary. Read Also: Top 7 Reasons the Medical Field Will Always Be In Demand Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

Why Should You Hire An Estate Planning Lawyer In Las Vegas?

In today’s world of digitization, we can do everything online. Whether it’s about buying cars or hiring a contractor, it’s much easier to skip traditional innuendos and do it in a single click. However, this approach might not be too convenient in some aspects. For example, when you’re preparing a trust or a will, you’ll need to complete the paperwork traditionally, with the help of a lawyer. Otherwise, you may end up doing something wrong, which, in turn, might cancel your application. But why should you hire a lawyer? Can’t you do everything all on your own? It’s just about being a little careful and attentive, right? Nope. Hiring an attorney can go further than completing simple paperwork and mundane tasks. Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about it. Benefits Of Hiring An Estate Planning Lawyer When it comes to estate planning, most people tend to opt for an online service provider. After all, it’s pretty convenient, easy to use, and cheaper than usual. However, this is where their downfall begins. As mentioned before, the process of estate planning can be pretty tricky, especially if you own a large house. Therefore, in this aspect, it’s always better to consult an estate planning lawyer instead of doing something illogical. And, if you do, here’s how they can benefit your cause. Advantage - 1: Updation Of Documents A trust or a will is not a typical document that you create once and never revisit again. As your financial circumstance or life events change, you should follow the same and ensure that your plan’s being altered accordingly. Make sure to ask an attorney to do this, as it might involve loads of legislative concerns. It would be best if you never did it without any supervision. If you make any mistake, the will might get overturned or canceled as a whole. You may like to read: Pros & Cons Of Hiring A Worker’s Compensation Lawyer Advantage - 2: Legislative Compliance Trust and probate law can be exceptionally complicated. And what’s more, they vary pretty massively from one state to another. Besides, they’re evolving quite incessantly as well. Hence, if you don’t stay updated with the “page,” it’ll be almost impossible for you to plan for your estate efficiently. It might also leave a considerable margin of error, which, in turn, can affect your case’s success even more. Advantage - 3: Drafting And Executing The online will, in essence, tends to be pretty simple and straightforward. So, it usually won’t contain enough information to complete the estate planning procedure entirely. However, the real document for the same will have to be more informative. Hence, when you’re drafting the paperwork, it’s always better to opt for a real estate planning attorney. They can do research on every information you need to provide and ensure that you aren’t putting any erroneous data during the process. FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions: As of now, we’ve told you about the benefits of hiring an estate planning lawyer. However, now, it’s time to offer some other information that we couldn’t before. Hopefully, it’ll help you get all the clarifications you need about the titular subject. 1. Why Is It Important To Have Estate Planning? Having an estate plan will ensure that your child’s future will be in the hands of the law. In addition, it can also help you avoid legal tie-ups and taxes properly. Finally, with it, you can also ensure that your funds are going to the place where you wanted them to. 2. What Is The Work Of An Estate Planning Lawyer? An estate planning attorney will help you complete the paperwork of the estate planning process correctly. Besides, they can also check if you’ve done something wrong and rectify the same logically. Their job is to be there for you till the end, or at least until the application has been submitted. Wrapping It All Up! So, now, we’ll conclude our article. Hopefully, we could offer as much information as needed through this article. However, if you’re still unable to understand something or want us to add a point or two, don’t forget to comment below. We’ll try to answer you as quickly as possible. Read Also: Tips and Tricks to Hire the Best Lawyer for Your Case What To Look For When Researching A Criminal Lawyer? What Are The Effective Ways To Communicate With A Personal Injury Lawyer

Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

What Do They Do?

Paralegal:

Legal Assistants:

Where Do These Fields Differ?

1. Skills:

2. Experience:

3. Salary:

4. Education:

Wrap Up:

Clear Career Path Advice

Day-to-Day Tasks

Future Career Growth

Criminal Case – Dos And Donts

5 Reasons Why You Should Take A Criminal Lawsuit Seriously

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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How to Get Copy of a Divorce Decree

Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have a Will

Why Should You Hire An Estate Planning Lawyer In Las Vegas?

Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

What Do They Do?

Paralegal:

Legal Assistants:

Where Do These Fields Differ?

1. Skills:

2. Experience:

3. Salary:

4. Education:

Wrap Up:

Clear Career Path Advice

Day-to-Day Tasks

Future Career Growth

Share this Article

Criminal Case – Dos And Donts

5 Reasons Why You Should Take A Criminal Lawsuit Seriously

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related