Paralegal services: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What paralegal services is

A paralegal assists with legal tasks such as organizing documents, drafting forms and researching, working under lawyer supervision or within limits on what non lawyers may do. Lawyers, small businesses and individuals use paralegals to support legal work that is document heavy.

Signs you need it

  • A lawyer or business needs help organizing records for a case or transaction
  • You have a large pile of documents that need to be indexed and summarized
  • A lawyer needs a draft of routine filings or forms prepared
  • You need help preparing exhibits or a chronology for a case
  • You are a business that needs corporate records updated
  • You need help with deadline tracking and court filings under a lawyer's direction

What the pro does

  • Review the task and confirm who is supervising the work and what the limits are
  • Collect and organize documents into a usable index or timeline
  • Draft routine forms, letters and filings for review by a lawyer
  • Research public records or rules for the lawyer or client
  • Prepare exhibits, binders or e-filing packets
  • Track deadlines and keep files current

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The type of tasks: drafting, organizing, research or filing
  • Volume of documents
  • Whether the paralegal works on site or remotely
  • Level of experience in your area of law
  • Whether work is ongoing or a single project
  • Turnaround time
  • Whether specialized software or e-filing is needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • Tasks covered and the format of each deliverable
  • Whether work is billed hourly, by project or monthly
  • Who supervises the work
  • Turnaround times
  • Confidentiality terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Who supervises your work, and are you working under a lawyer?
  • What training or certificate do you hold?
  • What areas of law do you have experience in?
  • What are the limits on what you can do without a lawyer?
  • How do you handle confidential documents?
  • Can I see a sample of an index or chronology you prepared with details removed?
  • What software do you use for filing?

Red flags

  • A paralegal who gives legal advice directly to the public
  • A claim that they can represent you in court
  • No confidentiality terms
  • Unclear who supervises the work
  • A promise that a filing will be accepted or succeed

What you can do yourself

You can sort your own papers by date, make a list of people involved, and gather account records. Many courts offer free self help forms. For legal advice or court representation, speak with a licensed attorney.

Licenses and permits

Paralegals are usually not licensed in the way lawyers are, but there are limits on what non lawyers may do. Ask about training or certification and who supervises the work, and check state rules with the state bar or court.

Paralegal services questions

Can a paralegal give legal advice?

Generally no. Legal advice comes from a licensed attorney.

Can a paralegal represent me in court?

Generally no. Court representation is for licensed attorneys, with limited exceptions.

What can a paralegal do for me directly?

Rules differ by state. Ask the paralegal and the state bar what is permitted.

Pro reviewers

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