If you love the idea of law, order and justice and want to be involved in the day to day process of law—but don’t have the time or money to invest in becoming a lawyer—then consider the option of paralegal careers. A paralegal helps lawyers in their work, and gets to work directly with key figures in local jurisdictions.
Paralegals spend much of their time conducting legal research and performing various tasks. Their main intent is to support lawyers, maintain file systems, draft documents and perform miscellaneous research related to the case. However, these vague duties may also involve specific assignments dictated by an attorney, such as investigating so called facts of a case, conducting law research and local or state regulations, organizing the material and keeping the information in a database.
Beyond this, a paralegal might also write a report to help lawyers prepare for a court case, or draft important contracts for communications. Paralegal careers may also involve acquiring affidavits and other formal documents to be used in court. As you can see, paralegals help lawyers establish paperwork on behalf of the attorney. The attorney’s job is to shine in court and in negotiations, while a paralegal’s job is to create the documents and research needed in order to make a smooth presentation.
Paralegals have an exciting career, since they have a direct link to the evidence, statements and facts of a case—it’s like being a lawyer, but without all the added pressure of winning-losing, or making presentations in front of crowded courtrooms. If you love law and order and the idea of fighting for the truth, then this is indeed a wonderful career to look into.
Of course, not all paralegals perform the same duties. Big city paralegals may be limited in what they do, because of the size of the law firm. Small town paralegals may have more to do, and may even prepare written reports for lawyers to help in organization. Big city paralegals, while they might get paid more, may only have to work on a particular “phase” of a case. You may or may not get to attend a courtroom trial, depending on your position and the size of the law firm or lawyer’s office.
Doesn’t this sound exciting? Imagine you working a comfortable job with computers, case facts and important legal work. Make your plans today to attend a college to reach out for paralegal careers!
