What is a paralegal?
Paralegals support lawyers in various ways from assisting with day-to-day management of a client’s matter to the administrative tasks involved behind the scenes. Paralegals usually assist in both legal and administrative work. Paralegals are not usually qualified solicitors, although sometimes will have completed a Law Degree at University or other legal qualifications.
The role of a paralegal
Charlotte, a paralegal at Staffordshire Family Law shares her experience:
“Paralegals make up part of the support team in a firm, along with legal assistants and secretarial staff. These support staff are, in my opinion, crucial to the smooth running of a matter for the client from start to finish. The qualified solicitors rely on this back up to help them run their cases efficiently. The paralegal’s role involves carrying out both administrative and legal functions. A good paralegal will be able to adapt based on the needs of the busy lawyers they are assisting.”
Charlotte reflects on her role specifically with Staffordshire Family Law “Working as a paralegal at SFL has provided me with so much experience which will be crucial as I work towards my goal of becoming a Family Law Solicitor. It has given me an understanding of what is involved in conducting a case, increased my knowledge of matrimonial and children law and equipped me with the skills required to assist a client through what is often a difficult and emotional time.”
The skills of a paralegal
It is incredibly important that paralegals have good organisational skills. It also helps if they are passionate about the field of law they are working within. For instance, a family law paralegal must know the rules and procedures and what steps need to be taken to progress a case.
Paralegals must have attention to detail to identify possible issues within a matter. Even small errors can have big consequences and so it is important to check documents and information is correct and clear.
Communication is no doubt a strength for a paralegal. Whether they are communicating with the client, solicitor or other support staff. It is crucial that they are clear to avoid any misunderstandings. They need to be approachable.
The day-to-day life of a paralegal
Charlotte shares with us what a typical day might look like for her “Whilst no two days are the same, as the work is varied, it often involves:
- Drafting applications, orders or other legal documents,
- Assisting with the preparation of court bundles, which contain all the crucial documents a judge will need to decide the case.
- Attending client meetings and taking notes
- Speaking with potential new clients to ensure the correct information and checks are made before they are booked in with a lawyer
- Contacting the clients to give them information or request from them instructions or documents
- Drafting letters and other documents
- Exchanging documentation with the other party / their legal representatives
- Staying up to date and obtaining knowledge on any legal or procedural changes
I really have to use a combination of my legal knowledge as well as my admin skills to help to manage and complete tasks so that clients are provided with an efficient service and to give the busy Solicitors the support they need”
Charlotte believes that the role of a paralegal is incredibly rewarding stating “although the role of a paralegal for me was initially quite daunting, I love what I do. I particularly enjoy the contact with clients as after all, they are at the heart of what we do. I take pride in being as helpful and empathetic as I can”.
Managing Director, Fay Rothery, adds “the relationship we have with paralegals is mutually beneficial. We can train them, develop them and help progress their legal careers. But in return, they provide crucial support to us solicitors, to make our lives easier and to make sure that cases are progressed smoothly. We are very proud of Charlotte’s progress over the last year since she joined us. She is always cheery and helpful, and the amount she has learnt in a short space of time, whilst also studying for her solicitor’s professional qualification, is impressive.”