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Paralegal

par-uh-LEE-guhl
A legal professional, qualified by education, training, or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
The attorney asked the paralegal to draft the initial complaint and gather relevant documents for the upcoming litigation.

Real-Case Example:

The California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) is a professional organization that represents and advocates for paralegals throughout the state. CAPA offers resources, education, and networking opportunities for paralegals in California, highlighting the significant role they play in the legal community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paralegals perform a wide range of tasks under the supervision of an attorney, including legal research, drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, organizing case files, assisting with trial preparation, and managing communication with clients and opposing counsel.

While there are no state-mandated educational requirements for paralegals in California, most employers prefer candidates with a paralegal certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. Some paralegals also gain experience through on-the-job training.

While California does not have a statewide licensing or certification requirement for paralegals, there are voluntary certification options available through organizations like CAPA and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Some law firms and legal employers may require or prefer certification.

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