Paralegals and Legal Assistants

23-2011.00

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
• Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
• Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
• Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
• File pleadings with court clerk.
• Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
• Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
• Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
• Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.
• Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Intuit QuickBooks 🔥; Tax software
• Analytical or scientific software - a la mode WinTOTAL; Case analysis software; Electronic discovery software; LexisNexis Applied Discovery; LexisNexis Concordance; LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles; Litigation support software; Uniscribe; Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - MicroStrategy
• Categorization or classification software - Bowne JFS Litigator's Notebook
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Dropbox; Google Drive; Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Software Technology PracticeMaster; Thomson West ProLaw
• Data base user interface and query software - Bridgeway eCounsel; Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks; Database software; Fund Software ATIDS; LexisNexis CaseMap; LexisNexis CodeMaster; LexisNexis Time Matters; Microsoft Access 🔥; Orion Law Management Systems Orion; Practice management software PMS; Relational database software; Relativity e-Discovery; Saga Practice Manager; TrialWorks
• Desktop publishing software - Blumbeg Drafting Libraries; Dataflight Opticon; Digital contract software; Microsoft Publisher; ProForce Paralegal Pro-Pack; Sure Will Writer
• Document management software - AbacusNext HotDocs; Adobe Acrobat 🔥; Appligent Citation FDFMerge; CaseSoft DepPrep; CaseSoft TextMap; Document management system software; Electronic transcription management software; iManage document management software; Inmagic DB/TextWorks; IntelliPDF CURVES; Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software; LexisNexis File and Serve; LexisNexis Total Search; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS; NetDocuments; Nuance Power PDF; OmniRIM Records Management Suite; PDF Snake Easy Bates; Records management software; Summation Blaze
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook
• File versioning software - Zylab ZyImage
• Information retrieval or search software - American LegalNet USCourtForms; dtSearch; Fastcase legal software; FindForms; FindLaw Code of Federal Regulations CFR; LawManager; LexisNexis; LexisNexis Company Analyzer; LexisNexis SmartLinx; Online database search and retrieval software; Online public records search software; Online title search and property report software; Ovid SilverPlatter WebSPIRS; THOMAS Global Register; Thomson CompuMark SAEGIS; Thomson Reuters Westlaw; Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge; Thomson West FindLaw
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Library software - Computer access catalog software
• Office suite software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Google Workspace software 🔥; Microsoft Office software
• Optical character reader OCR or scanning software - Optical character recognition OCR software
• Pattern design software - CaseSoft TimeMap
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Transaction server software - Tumbleweed SecureTransport
• Video conferencing software - Zoom 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Thomson Reuters LiveNote Stream
• Word processing software - Google Docs 🔥; Legal document software; LexisNexis CheckCite; Microsoft Word ; The Sackett Group MacPac for Legal; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Maintain the order of legal documents.
• Prepare legal documents.
• Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
• Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
• Confer with court staff to clarify information.
• Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
• Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
• Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.
• Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.