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In the past decade, the demand for paralegals and legal assistants has increased in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook for hiring paralegal talent is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031. This rate is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
The BLS predicts an average of 45,800 job openings for paralegals and legal assistants annually in the next decade. Many job openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who change occupations or exit the labor force (i.e., retire).
The paralegal profession is ever-evolving. Paralegal roles span various law and legal practice areas. Due to a shortage of paralegal talent, legal firms, corporations, and governmental agencies are finding it difficult to hire the required paralegal talent. Furthermore, finding the right match for employers and job seekers is time-consuming.
That is where legal recruiters can help. Legal recruiters find that perfect match between job seekers and law firms while encouraging paralegals to continue to increase their skill sets. If you are pursuing a paralegal career, being aware of your potential paralegal duties can help you be a more valuable asset to your current employer and help you advance your career.
Here are ten legal tasks every paralegal should know:
1. Litigation
Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system. Paralegals must learn about the various stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, trials, and appeals, to effectively support attorneys in managing each case.
2. Pleadings
Pleadings are the formal written documents filed with the court to outline each party’s claims and defenses. Key pleadings include the complaint, answer, counterclaim, and reply. Paralegals assist in drafting and reviewing these legal documents, ensuring they are accurate and adhere to the rules of civil procedure.
3. Discovery
Discovery is the pre-trial phase during which parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. Paralegals play a significant role in managing the discovery process, which involves drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
4. Depositions
A deposition is a sworn testimony taken outside of court, where an attorney questions a witness under oath. Paralegals may organize and schedule depositions, prepare deposition summaries, and manage the relevant documents.
5. Legal Research
Legal research is identifying and retrieving information to support legal decision-making. Paralegals must be familiar with various research tools, including legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis. Finally, they will research where to find and analyze relevant statutes, regulations, and case law.
6. Brief
A brief is a written document that outlines a case’s facts, legal issues, and arguments. Paralegals often draft, edit, and proofread briefs to ensure they are well-organized and persuasive.
7. Motion
A motion is a formal request made to the court for a specific action or ruling. Common motions include motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, and to change the venue. Paralegals must be familiar with the procedures and requirements for filing motions and may assist in drafting the supporting documents.
8. Docket
The docket is the official schedule of court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other matters. Paralegals should be able to read and interpret the court docket. They will be responsible for keeping track of important deadlines and ensuring timely and accurate filings.
9. Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a legal action must be initiated. Most importantly, paralegals must understand the applicable statutes of limitations for each type of case and ensure all critical deadlines are met.
10. Billable Hours
Billable hours are the law firm’s fees based on the time spent on tasks directly related to client work. Therefore, paralegals will learn to accurately track and record their billable hours to ensure that all their time is documented.
Strategic Recruitment Solutions has matched top companies with top paralegal talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. We can provide our clients with experienced, knowledgeable paralegals and our job candidates with their dream jobs. Whether you are new to the legal profession or an experienced paralegal looking for a new job opportunity, call 888-366-6508 and let us help you today.