Careers in Legal Research

Attorneys often delegate many of their administrative and research tasks to paralegals and legal assistants. Paralegals can do much of the work of an attorney under their guidance, but they are not allowed to set legal fees, give legal advice or presenting cases in court.

Paralegals

A career in legal research will typically result in one pursuing a career as a paralegal or a legal assistant. Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporations and government offices. They can work in many different areas of the law including personal injury, criminal law, employer law, labor law, bankruptcy, immigration and family law. Paralegals can become very specialized as needed. 

Assisting Lawyers

One of a paralegal's most important tasks is assisting the lawyers they work with in preparing for closings, hearings and trials. Paralegals can investigate the facts of cases and research appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials needed for the cases. Paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled.

Preparing Legal Documents

Paralegals prepare legal arguments and draft pleadings and motions that are then filed with the court. They also may assist in preparing tax returns, establishing trust funds and planning estates. The tasks of paralegals may be very different depending on the type of organization they work in. There are a few different types of paralegals such as the following:

• Corporate Paralegals - Often assist attorneys with contracts, shareholder agreements, stock option plans and employee benefit plans.


• Litigation Paralegals - Analyze legal material, conduct research for attorneys and collect and analyze evidence for agency hearings. They may even represent clients at administrative hearings.

Legal Assistant

With a degree in legal research, one can also become a legal assistant. Their job is very similar to a paralegal, but one works more closely with the attorney providing direct assistance as opposed to independent research like a paralegal can do. They will often assist attorneys during trials and organize and track files from case documents and make them available to the attorneys when needed. Legal assistants may also coordinate the activities of the other employees and maintain financial office records.