Starting Out Paralegals One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.
Paralegals investigate the facts of cases and ensure all relevant information is considered.
They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. Paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys. There are several ways to become a paralegal. Employers usually require formal paralegal training obtained through associate or bachelor's degree programs or through a certification program.