For example, paralegals specializing in labor law may deal exclusively with employee benefits. A growing number of paralegals use computers in their work. The Internet is also used extensively for legal research. In litigation involving many supporting documents, paralegals may use computer databases to organize, index, and retrieve the material. Imaging software allows paralegals to scan documents directly into a database.
Paralegals sometimes use billing programs to track hours billed to clients.
They may also use computer software packages to perform tax computations and explore the consequences of possible tax strategies for clients. Occasionally, they travel to gather information and perform other duties. Paralegals employed by corporations and government usually work a standard 40-hour week. Although most paralegals work year round, some are temporarily employed during busy times of the year, then released when the workload diminishes. Paralegals who work for law firms sometimes work very long hours when they are under pressure to meet deadlines.