Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

Published on: 19 March 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024
Paralegals And Legal Assistants

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?

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.

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:

 

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.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Civil Cases Versus Criminal Cases

Civil Cases Versus Criminal Cases: What You Need To Know

If you have been following the news lately, you must be aware that many misconceptions have revolved around criminal and civil cases. Since you have clicked on the link to this article, I will presume that you are someone who likes to keep a keen interest in law.  As responsible citizens, we must know all the specificities of the law. It will help us be aware, and it will save us in times of trouble.   I am a defense lawyer myself, and I have been enjoying my job for the last ten years. I believe the Federal court in Missouri has some of the best lawyers in the entire U.S.  So, without further ado, let us look at the major differences between Civil Cases and Criminal Cases  What Is A Civil Case? Civil cases are those where an individual has private disputes. They are not harmful to society.  Civil offenses are lawsuits for crimes against the State or jurisdiction.  Since both civil and criminal cases are offenses, there are bound to be some similarities as well as differences. As law-abiding citizens, we must ensure we know everything there is to know.  When it comes to civil cases, there are two parties, one of which disputes the case. Legally, you would call them the ‘plaintiff’ and the other party against whom one would make the charges. They are the ‘defendant.’  The plaintiff may approach the court to ensure that the defendant has fulfilled its duty or ask the court for compensation for the damage done.  Both the Federal Court and State Court entertain civil cases.   For instance, if a computer shop owner signs a contract with a customer and agrees to deliver the computers at a specific price, and later, if the computer shop owner fails to deliver the computers, it can force the customer to buy the products from some other computer shop at a higher rate.  Then the customer has every right to sue the computer shop owner for the extra cost that he had to bear to purchase the computers from some other place.   If the parties belonged to completely different states, then the case would go to a federal court like Federal Courthouse Springfield, MO. What Is A Criminal Case? Criminal cases are those which often include an individual committing a crime, which may range from minor misdemeanors to murder in the first degree.  The government, taking the side of its citizens, prosecutes the individual via the Attorney’s Office of the United States if the individual has been charged with the federal level’s crimes. The District Attorney’s Office, also known as the D.A., deals with state crimes.  According to America’s law, it is not for the victim to bring to produce a criminal case in the courthouse.   For instance, if a person is kidnapped, the government can press charges on the individual regardless of whether the victim wants it.  For instance, the state government has the power to prosecute people who are involved in drunk driving as it poses a threat not just to a single individual but to many people.   This is quite unlike the cases entertained at Federal Courthouse Springfield, MO. What Are the Similarities Between Civil Cases versus Criminal Cases? Both these cases have a few things in common.  Usually, both civil and criminal cases involve private parties.  A person can be charged with both civil and criminal cases at the same time.  What are the key differences between a civil case and a criminal case? There are a ton of differences that you should know about. Keep reading  The grounds for acquiring proof are different in both civil and criminal cases.  The patient has been taking medications as prescribed.  All defendants in criminal cases have the right to an attorney  Criminal and civil cases vary greatly in terms of punishment.  Choosing Your Path as a New Lawyer: Civil or Criminal Law?  Deciding between civil and criminal law if you’re a new lawyer is more difficult than ever.   Both paths offer distinct experiences, professional development opportunities, and rewards. Here’s what to consider before making your decision. 1. Passion and Interest The first step in the process is to figure out which areas of law you are most interested in.   Do you like strategic negotiations with contracts and settlements?   Perhaps criminal trials are more your style. Generally, civil law deals with private disputes between individuals, such as families or businesses, whereas criminal law focuses on people accused of a crime. Pick an area that interests you the most. 2. Work Environment and Style Civil law typically has a more structured work schedule compared to criminal law.  If you practice civil law, you may work during regular business hours and manage a large docket of paperwork. Other work might include drafting contracts or settling other types of disputes.   Criminal law can be highly unpredictable.   Court appearances are the norm rather than the exception, and competing deadlines, such as bail hearings or plea negotiations, sometimes trigger intense pressure. You might have to prepare yourself for such pressure.  If you are most comfortable in public speaking situations, then apply for an advocacy role within your society. You can also find opportunities for mock trial competitions. 3. Impact and Client Interaction In civil law, you’re representing a business or individual in a financial or contractual dispute.   Your impact is usually limited to the parties themselves.   In criminal law however, you’re potentially defending someone’s freedom (or, in some cases, helping punish them for a crime in a lawful way), which can be quite emotionally satisfying. However, criminal law is not for the weak.  You need to grow resilience against hearing some of the most gruesome things mankind does. So, ensure that you are well prepared to hold yourself together.  Consider the degree of client interaction and overall societal impact you want from your practice. 4. Long-Term Goals First, consider your long-term career goals. What is the reason behind you choosing law as a field to pursue?  Civil law is the best choice if you want to work in niche practice areas such as family law, corporate law, or intellectual property.   On the other hand, criminal law is the way to go if you hope to rise through the ranks of a public defender’s office or become a District Attorney (DA).  Ultimately, pick the lane that most resonates with your passion, work style, and career ambitions.  Final Thoughts The life of a lawyer is uncertain, and we never know what might be thrown at us.   Hence, it is important to keep yourselves updated and have a trustworthy lawyer who can be by your side when needed.   Be it for a new lawyer to select the desired path or for a commoner wanting to know more about the law. Having an idea about both civil and criminal cases can come in handy.  Life can often be a handful; you never know what might happen next. That is why you always need to have proper contact with the best lawyer to guide you. Stay safe and well-informed. Read Also: How To Find The Right Criminal Defense Attorney For Your Next Case? What Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do? How to Choose the Best Murfreesboro Criminal Defense Attorney A Civil Way of Separating: 6 Questions and Answers About Collaborative Divorce

READ MOREDetails
questions about personal injury cases

Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Injury Cases

If you are injured in an accident – car accident, workplace accident, assault, or medical malpractice – you likely have many questions. That is perfectly natural and understandable. The best way to get answers is to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you based on the details of your situation. In the meantime, we offer some answers to the most frequently asked questions about personal injury cases. We hope you will gain some insight to help you begin the process of filing a personal injury claim and getting the compensation that you deserve. Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Injury Cases Q: What is a personal injury? A personal injury occurs when someone’s negligent or reckless behavior causes harm to someone else. Some examples of personal injury cases include: Car accidents Medical malpractice Slip and fall accidents Product liability Workplace injuries Birth injuries Wrongful death You need to understand that if you are fighting a personal injury case of a specific nature, it is always best that you get experts that have experience in that field. In other words, you should look to work with and hire specialists rather than generalists. To understand this better click on more info. Q: How do I know if I have a case? The only way to find out if you have an actionable personal injury case is to speak with an attorney. A personal injury attorney will evaluate the details of your situation and let you know if you have a case, and if so, how to proceed. Q: How much is my case worth? The “value” of your claim, or how much your case is worth, depends on a variety of factors. These factors include: The circumstances surrounding the accident The severity of your injuries Limits on insurance coverage Medical expenses Estimated future medical expenses Lost wages or earning capacity Pain and suffering Loss of consortium Once these factors are taken into consideration, you can obtain an estimate of your case’s value. Remember that an estimate is not a guarantee. Q: What types of compensation can I get through a personal injury claim? Plaintiffs (the person filing a personal injury claim) may be able to obtain several different types of compensation, depending on their case. Most often, personal injury claims seek compensation for: Current medical bills Anticipated future medical bills Loss of income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Loss of consortium Punitive damages These are somewhat broad examples of the types of damages that you may be able to pursue in a personal injury claim. The types of damages relative to your case will depend on the facts of your case. Q: Do I need an attorney to file a personal injury claim? Legally speaking, you do not have to hire an attorney to help you file a lawsuit. However, it is highly recommended. A personal injury attorney can benefit your case in a lot of ways. For example, these attorneys know how the system works and what all needs to happen in order for you to obtain a settlement or verdict. Also, if legal snags hold up your case in the court system, an attorney can help sort things out and get your case moving again. Another benefit of working with an attorney is that attorneys are skilled negotiators. If the other party (defendant) offers you a settlement that is low or unreasonable, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you get maximum compensation. Read Also: Can an Employee Claim for a Personal Injury When Working From Home? Hagen Rosskopf Explain What to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney How to Find a Personal Injury Attorney On Any Budget Reasons for hiring any Personal Injury Attorney is Important

READ MOREDetails
Personal Injury Lawyer

The Benefits of Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

Recovering from an accident can be one of the most devastating feelings one can go through. There is the physical pain and emotional pain to deal with. The last thing that you'll want in such a scenario is straining financially. For instance, you have to take care of the medical bills and also provide for the people who depended on you while you were in the right shape. Retaining a personal injury lawyer is the best option as it increases your chances of getting compensated. Moreover, reasonable lawyers from reputable firms like Smiths Lawyers will not charge you anything until the case is won. In other words, your case will be handled on a contingency-fee-basis, which is agreed upon before the lawyer commences the job. In most cases, lawyers will charge between 33% and 40% of the awarded compensation. So, what are some of the benefits of retaining a personal injury lawyer? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: Increase the chances of winning the claim There are various red tapes that insurance companies put in place to ensure that they don’t spend much on personal injury compensation claims. That's why you'll see most firms trying to lure victims with lowball compensations, especially if they are not represented by people who know how to go about the red tapes. You need someone who can prove negligence and liability under the torts law. You also need someone who can prove that injuries sustained in a case have led to a certain degree of suffering. That way, your chances of getting compensated will remain high. At the end of the day, you are betting big on the lawyer helping you claim the maximum amount of compensation for the personal injury. This is why many experts suggest looking at the case wins and the total compensation claimed by an attorney before signing them on. This will bring out the belief that you are placing your case in the right hands. Some of the best personal injury lawyers in Suffolk county could help you in this regard for claiming maximum compensation. Specialized treatment At times, you might need specialized treatment, especially if you've sustained serious internal injuries such as brain or spinal cord. Lawyers have been in the game for a while, and they'll point you to the right people who will give an accurate assessment and diagnosis to support your claim. Remember, if you access special treatment in time, you might get back to your feet in the shortest time possible. Other specialized treatment that a lawyer can facilitate includes counseling to manage psychological pain and distress. Assessing the right value for your claim Before lodging a compensation claim, it is advisable to get a professional's input to determine its value. Moreover, according to anecdotal accounts of victims, the average person cannot know how much they are entitled to, and that is why people who don't get represented by lawyers often settle for lowball compensations. A high-caliber lawyer will consider many factors, such as the type of injuries the degree of suffering, the insurance company's strategy, and your future medical and financial needs to determine what is best for you. It is also important to note that not all kinds of accidents may attract compensation, and a lawyer will also advise you accordingly on that. What about the trial? Not everyone can withstand courtroom litigation, especially if you don't have the experience. That is where a lawyer steps in. If your case doesn't end at the negotiation table, you might be forced to proceed to trial. Lawyers understand the court language and will deconstruct manufactured evidence that might try to shift the blame on you. Read Also: 6 Important Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer How to Market Your Personal Injury Law Firm on Pinterest

READ MOREDetails