Knowra Paralegal Paralegal A paralegal performs substantive legal work under a lawyer’s supervision but is not independently licensed to practise law. Duties and regulation vary by jurisdiction.
Legal research : The process of finding and analyzing legal authorities relevant to a legal question. Paralegals research statutes, cases, and regulations to support a lawyer’s advice and strategy.
Legal profession : The occupations and institutions involved in providing legal services and administering justice. Paralegals work within this broader profession alongside lawyers and other legal staff.
Solicitor : A lawyer who provides legal advice and services, especially in jurisdictions that distinguish solicitors from barristers. Unlike a paralegal, a solicitor is a qualified lawyer permitted to practise within the jurisdiction.
Legal profession in the United States : The institutions, licensing systems, and occupations through which legal services are provided in the United States. U.S. paralegal titles and rules developed within a state-based system of lawyer regulation.
Legal drafting : The preparation of legal documents using applicable law, facts, and procedural requirements. Drafting pleadings, contracts, and correspondence is common substantive paralegal work.
Lawyer : A person authorized to practise law, including advising clients and representing them in legal matters. A lawyer supervises paralegal work and remains responsible for legal judgment and representation.
Legal secretary : An administrative professional who supports legal work through tasks such as scheduling, document formatting, and correspondence. The distinction highlights paralegals’ substantive legal tasks rather than primarily administrative support.
National Association of Legal Assistants : A United States professional organization for paralegals and legal assistants, founded in 1975. The association helped establish professional standards and credentials for U.S. paralegals.
Discovery (law) : The pretrial process through which parties obtain relevant information and evidence from one another. Paralegals often organize records, prepare discovery materials, and track production.
Unauthorized practice of law : Providing legal services without the authorization required by the governing jurisdiction. The boundary between permitted support and independent legal practice defines many paralegal restrictions.
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