Skills Required of Paralegals

Paralegals must be familiar with computers and have- Prepare written reports for attorneys about work.
technical knowledge about how to use software data- Assist lawyers in preparing legal arguments, motions
effectively. The Internet and software programs areand draft pleadings.
now essential in legal research. Paralegals use- Draft contracts, separation agreements, mortgages,
computer databases frequently in their research. Manyand instruments of trust.
paralegals work to update corporate databases with- Prepare estates and tax returns.
scanned images, maps, bills or other documents. If- Work in many different areas of the law, including
paralegals have not acquired these skills or thislitigation, corporate law, personal injury, criminal law,
knowledge through experience or their previousemployee benefits, intellectual property, labor law,
education, they should ask their employers aboutbankruptcy, immigration, family law and real estate.
additional training to keep abreast of recent- Assist attorneys with employee contracts,
advancements in information technology and databasestock-option plans, shareholder agreements and
systems.employee benefit plans.
Some Paralegal Jobs require a bachelor's degree,- Prepare and file annual financial reports, prepare
while some require an associate's degree. As theforms to secure loans for the corporation and maintain
duties of paralegals increase in the coming years,corporate minutes' record resolutions.
paralegals with more education and training will have a- Monitor and review government regulations to ensure
better chance at receiving of this position. Anthat a corporation is aware of new requirements and
education is needed to work as a paralegal due to theis operating within the laws.
complexity and experience needed to perform the- Oversee projects and serve as a communication link
following tasks, all of which may be required of the job.between the team and the corporation.
Here are some of the tasks required of paralegals to- Analyze legal material for internal use, conduct
perform Paralegal Jobs;research for attorneys, maintain reference files, and
- Coordinate the activities of law office employeescollect and analyze evidence for agency hearings.
and maintain financial office records.- Prepare informative or explanatory material on laws,
- Help lawyers prepare for closings, trials, hearing andagency policy, agency regulations for general use by
meetings.the agency and the public.
- Identify relevant laws, legal articles judicial decisionsHelp the aged, the poor, and others who are in need of
and any other materials that relate to cases.legal assistance.