A paralegal is a legal assistant for an attorney or law firm. The responsibility of paralegals are very similar to that of a trained lawyer, however, paralegals are not permitted to present court cases or give legal advice to clients. A certificate in paralegal studies normally takes two years to receive and some paralegals further their careers by obtaining bachelor's degrees.

Corporate Paralegal

A corporate paralegals job duties consist of preparing client contracts and handling employee benefit plans. He will also prepare files and forms for the corporation as well as assisting with company stocks and shareholder agreements.

Litigation Paralegal

Litigation paralegals collect research and evidence for hearings and trials, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other duties consist of file maintenance and obtaining legal materials and articles for company use.

Real Estate Paralegal

Paralegals who work for real estate agencies prepare housing contracts and mortgages. They also create agreements for separation (legal eviction) purposes. General duties are organizing office financial records and in some cases preparing tax documentation.

Private Law Firm Paralegal

The BLS says more than 71 percent of paralegals work for law firms. Paralegals who work in law firms have myriad job duties, such as assisting the lawyer with everything from hearing and closing preparation to being in charge of organizing corporate meetings. They also create reports, acquire affidavits and at times assist in actual trials.

Other Jobs for Paralegals

Paralegals are also found working in other employment areas within insurance agencies, community sectors and the United States government.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics