They employ approximately 5,000 temporary lawyers and paralegals, as law firms continue to employ temporary staff as a way of controlling costs. The term paralegal refers to a support position that is distinct from other non-attorney positions. One participant describes the position as one that falls between an attorney and a clerk. Not exactly an attorney but doing some work on that level, not a file clerk but also doing some work on that level. In general, paralegal coordinators directly recruit paralegals for medium to larger firms.
Smaller firms rely on referrals.
For this segment of the industry, paralegal certificates are helpful but not necessary for employment. Big firms are more concerned with acquiring sharp, bright candidates with good computer skills, who are able to juggle multiple assignments. Smaller firms, however, stress the importance of legal training because they use their paralegals more extensively. For example, their paralegals interface with clients, make court appearances, draft interrogatories and review contracts. In short, they carry out most of the duties of an attorney.