What Does Paralegals Do? Role and Responsibilities
Choosing a career path is a big decision, especially when looking at a field as dynamic as law. If you have ever watched shows like Suits or Law & Order, you might already be intrigued by the legal profession. However, becoming a paralegal can be an excellent option for those who want to work in the legal system without attending law school. Paralegals support lawyers, manage case files, conduct research, and facilitate client communication. For those interested in this pathway in Canada, the Paralegal Diploma Program at Reeves College provides a comprehensive foundation to start your career.
This blog will dive into what paralegals do in Canada, outline their roles and responsibilities, and cover the essential skills needed to excel in this field. If you are considering a paralegal career, Reeves College's Paralegal Diploma program can set you on the right path.
What is a Paralegal?
At its core, a paralegal is a professional who provides essential support to lawyers in delivering legal services. While paralegals do not practice law or represent clients in court, they handle a broad spectrum of tasks that contribute to the smooth operation of law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and more. Paralegals assist attorneys by organizing case files, preparing legal documents, conducting research, and performing other support tasks critical to legal proceedings.
In Canada, the duties of paralegals can vary slightly depending on the province due to regulatory differences. For instance, Ontario has a regulated framework for paralegals, allowing them to provide limited legal services independently. In most other regions, paralegals operate under the supervision of lawyers and adhere to strict provincial guidelines that define their scope of practice.
What Does Paralegals Do?
The responsibilities of paralegals are broad and can change depending on the field of law they specialize in, the type of legal setting they work in, and the needs of the attorneys they support. Here are some core responsibilities that define the paralegal role in Canada:
Legal Research
Legal research is at the heart of a paralegal's job. It involves searching case law, statutes, legal articles, and other resources to gather relevant information for a lawyer's case. Paralegals organize findings and communicate key insights to attorneys, allowing them to build solid arguments and prepare for trial.
Document Preparation
Document preparation is another critical responsibility. Paralegals draft legal documents such as memorandums, affidavits, pleadings, and briefs. This process demands high accuracy and attention to detail, as legal documents must adhere to specific formatting and legal standards. Paralegals help lawyers stay on top of deadlines and ensure all necessary paperwork is complete and properly filed.
Client Communication
Often, paralegals are the primary point of contact between a law firm and its clients. They conduct client interviews, gather relevant information, and update clients on case progress. This responsibility requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills to support clients throughout the legal process.
Case Management
Managing case files is a significant part of a paralegal's work. They organize case documents, keep track of important deadlines, and maintain orderly records to ensure the legal team has everything they need to succeed in court. Effective case management helps prevent missing documents or filing dates, which could negatively impact a case.
Interfacing with Opposing Counsel
Paralegals also interact with opposing counsel, handle correspondence, and prepare responses under the supervision of lawyers. This task requires high professionalism, as paralegals must communicate effectively and maintain the firm's reputation in their dealings with others.
Court Attendance
Although paralegals cannot represent clients in court (with some limited exceptions in Ontario), they frequently attend court proceedings with attorneys to help manage case materials, organize documents, and ensure that the lawyer has everything needed during the trial.
Specialized Duties Based on Area of Law
Paralegals often specialize in corporate, real estate, family, criminal, or intellectual property law. Each specialization comes with unique tasks and duties. For example, real estate paralegals might draft documents for property transactions, while criminal law paralegals may work closely with witnesses or analyze evidence.
With a mix of administrative duties and specialized tasks, paralegals provide the crucial support that enables lawyers to focus on the complexities of legal arguments and courtroom proceedings.
What Skills You Need to Become a Paralegal
To excel in the role of a paralegal, there are several essential skills that prospective students should cultivate. Paralegals work in a fast-paced environment that demands precision, adaptability, and effective communication. Here are the core skills needed:
Organizational Skills: Paralegals handle multiple cases simultaneously, each with their deadlines, documents, and client requirements. Exceptional organizational skills are essential for managing large volumes of information and keeping case files orderly. This ensures efficient access to documents and smooth handling of case materials when deadlines are tight.
Technical Proficiency: In today's digital world, paralegals need strong computer skills, especially in programs like Microsoft Office for document creation, billing, and calendar management. Familiarity with specialized legal software such as Westlaw and digital filing systems like Alberta's King's Bench Filing Digital Service is also valuable, as these tools streamline the document management and research process.
Communication Skills: Paralegals interact daily with lawyers, clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel. They must be skilled in written and verbal communication to ensure clarity and professionalism in every exchange. Effective communication skills are critical, especially when interviewing clients or summarizing case findings for lawyers.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy is paramount in legal work. Mistakes in documents, misfiled records, or missed deadlines can seriously affect a case. Paralegals must have excellent attention to detail to prevent errors affecting lawyers' ability to represent their clients effectively.
Knowledge of Canadian Law: While paralegals do not practice law, a solid understanding of Canadian legal principles and processes is crucial. This includes knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and the litigation process. Paralegals must also be familiar with provincial regulations that apply to their specific practice area, as requirements and limitations can vary across Canada.
Paralegal Diploma by Reeves College
For those looking to start a career in the legal field, the Paralegal Diploma program at Reeves College provides a solid foundation. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel as a paralegal in Canada.
The Paralegal Diploma program at Reeves College covers essential legal topics such as:
- Legal Research and Writing: Master the fundamentals of legal research and effective document drafting.
- Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Criminal Law: Gain insights into different areas of law, allowing students to explore specialized fields.
- Litigation Procedures: Understand the litigation process from filing to trial, preparing students to support lawyers through every step of a case.
- Practicum Experience: Students participate in hands-on training, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and build valuable connections in the legal industry.
Through Reeves College's Paralegal Diploma program, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian legal system and are prepared to work in various legal settings. Graduates will leave the program equipped to support attorneys, manage case files, and communicate effectively with clients and legal teams.
Closing Thoughts
The paralegal profession is one of the most versatile and rewarding roles within the legal system. It offers opportunities in various legal environments, from corporate offices to government agencies and private law firms. Paralegals are invaluable in managing the research, documentation, and organization attorneys rely on to represent clients effectively. While the work is demanding and requires a mix of technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, it is also intellectually stimulating and offers strong job prospects
If you are considering a career as a paralegal, Reeves College's Paralegal Diploma program is an excellent starting point. With its combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience, the program provides a robust foundation for those aspiring to enter the legal field. By developing the skills and expertise needed, you will be well-prepared to begin a fulfilling career as a paralegal and make a meaningful impact in the world of law.
If you are ready to start your journey, learn more about the Paralegal Diploma program at Reeves College and take the first step toward a dynamic career in the legal profession.