Paralegal job description

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Description - Skills - Education - Trends

The paralegal provides experienced and skilled services to lawyers and their clients. Areas of specialisation may vary, from handling small claims or supporting property conveyance to performing key work on legal documentation, drafting contracts, performing legal or records research and preparing correspondence
Due to the nature of the work, the ability to work in an efficient, informed and accurate manner is of great importance. Experience and knowledge in certain areas of law, such as personal injury and RTA, may be of particular interest to prospective employers. Experience with online document management systems like Ringtail or Introspect will be a plus
The ability to analyse large amounts of data, good organisational skills and excellent communication skills will be highly-prized. Though formal qualifications are rarely demanded, LPC will generally be an asset. Typing skills and IT literacy are normally basic requirements. Though experience, knowledge and speed are of primary importance, entry-level positions may be open to candidates who can handle filing, photocopying and the processing of documents
The median salary in this sector is £18,000. Many positions offer starting salaries ranging from £13,000 to £18,000. Some roles, especially those open to candidates with notable experience, can pay from £18,000 to £30,000.

Description

Paralegal workers are responsible for doing big amounts of legal work. They are not qualified lawyers and have some legal experience or training. Paralegal workers have job placements in public and private sector organisations and law firms with different titles such as case worker, property adviser or contract assistant.

Paralegal workers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Handling client caseloads.
• Filing case files.
• Taking statements.
• Researching cases and legal information.
• Drafting documents and letters.

Skills

• Being able to work under pressure.
• Being well organised.
• Having competent computer abilities.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having competent written and spoken communication abilities.
• Being respectful for confidential information.
• Being patient.
• Being able to deal with large amounts of information.
• Having researching skills.
• Being sympathetic and tactful.

Education

Paralegal job placements do not require specific qualifications, but most law firms and employers prefer Foundation degree in law or legal studies, GCSE (A
*-C) or A levels in academic subjects, BTEC qualifications related to law or legal studies and NVQ in business administration.

Other specific requirements for some employers are a degree in legal studies, and HND or the postgraduate legal practice course. Non-law organisations offer professional training to unqualified people in clerical posts. Paralegal job placements are also an alternative for law graduates without a training contract to become a lawyer or solicitor.

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