Definition

Noun: A person trained in legal matters who works under the supervision of a lawyer to perform substantive legal tasks, but who is not a qualified attorney.

Usage

A paralegal is a professional who supports lawyers by handling essential legal work. They cannot provide legal advice directly to clients or represent clients in court, but they perform many critical tasks that enable lawyers to focus on complex legal strategy and advocacy.

Examples

• The law firm hired a new paralegal to help organize the evidence for the upcoming trial.
• As a paralegal, her duties include drafting legal documents and conducting client interviews.
• The attorney reviewed the case brief prepared by her paralegal.

Advanced Usage

• "to work as a paralegal": To have a job in the role of a paralegal.
  • She worked as a paralegal for five years before attending law school.
• Paralegal work/studies: Referring to the field or academic discipline.
  • He is enrolled in a paralegal studies program at the community college.

Variants and Related Words

• Legal assistant: A common synonym for paralegal.
• Paralegalism: (rare) The profession or work of being a paralegal.

Synonyms

• Legal assistant
• Law clerk (Note: This can sometimes refer to a law student or recent graduate, but in some contexts, the duties overlap.)

Related Phrases

• Paralegal certificate: A credential earned after completing a specialized training program.
• Paralegal services: The work provided by a paralegal.

Noun

1. a person with specialized training who assists lawyers