Law firms, legal departments of major
corporations, and state and federal governments are
employing paralegals by the thousands to reduce costs and
increase efficiency. The use of paralegals allows them to
remain competitive and serve more clients and has created an
unprecedented growth of trained paralegals on a nationwide
level.
Paralegals have become an indispensable asset to the legal
community with numbers approaching 100,000 nationwide. The
end is nowhere in sight. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
predicts that the paralegal job market will double in size
in the next decade.
WHAT DOES A PARALEGAL DO ?
Paralegals generally work side-by-side with attorneys,
judges, prosecutors, or public defenders. They assist with
research, preparation and analysis of documents, client and
witness interview and investigation. Many paralegals are
joining a growing trend, working independently or
freelancing. Freelance paralegals provide support on an "as
needed" basis, helping attorneys meet deadlines on special
reports.
THE DEMAND FOR LOW COST LEGAL SERVICES CREATES NEW
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARALEGALS
More than ever before, people are filing actions for
divorce, bankruptcy, wills, adoptions, immigration, name
changes, and more. An independent paralegal can help fill
the gaps in services by typing the basic forms for actions
such as uncontested divorces. They charge fees the public
can afford. In fact, legal document preparation performed by
the trained paralegals is becoming a viable money saving
choice for many Americans who have been shut out of the
legal system because of high attorney fees that can range
from $100.00 to $300.00 an hour.Source:
Law Net
WHAT DO THE COURTS SAY ABOUT PARALEGAL?
"We conclude that given the appropriate instructions and
supervision, paralegals, whether employees or independent
contractors, are valuable and necessary members in the
effective and efficient practice of law.
In re: Opinion 24 of the Committee on the Unauthorized
Practice of Law, 128 N.J. 114 (1992).
Encouraging the use of lower cost paralegals rather than
attorneys whenever possible "encourages cost-effective
delivery of legal services..."
Source: Missouri v. Jenkins, 491 U.S. Ct. 2463, 2471, n. 10
(9).
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