What Does a Paralegal Do? Duties, Skills, and Tools
Paralegals are the organizational and research backbone of legal teams. They handle the documents, deadlines, and details that keep cases moving.
Whether working for a small law firm, a government agency, or a corporation, their work blends legal knowledge with administrative precision.
Paralegal Salary Snapshot
U.S.39,300 openings/yr
Daily Responsibilities
Paralegals perform a mix of substantive legal tasks and administrative duties.
Their day-to-day work often includes:
- Conducting legal and factual research
- Drafting contracts, pleadings, and discovery documents
- Organizing exhibits and evidence for hearings or trials
- Communicating with clients and witnesses
- Filing documents with courts or agencies
- Managing case files and calendars
- Summarizing depositions or transcripts for attorney review
Though they don’t provide legal advice, paralegals are essential to the attorney’s workflow, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at every stage of a case.
Tools & Software
Modern paralegals rely heavily on legal technology.
Common tools include:
| Category | Common Software |
|---|---|
| Case Management | Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther |
| Research | LexisNexis, Westlaw, Fastcase |
| Document Drafting | Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace |
| eDiscovery | Relativity, Logikcull, Everlaw |
| Billing & Time Tracking | Tabs3, TimeSolv, QuickBooks |
| Scheduling & Collaboration | Outlook, Google Calendar, Slack |
Being comfortable with these platforms is now just as important as understanding statutes and case law.
Foundational Skills
Successful paralegals combine technical skills with critical thinking and communication.
Key competencies include:
- Research: Locating and analyzing laws, cases, and regulations
- Writing: Drafting clear, accurate legal documents and correspondence
- Organization: Managing large volumes of information under strict deadlines
- Ethics & Confidentiality: Maintaining professional standards and client trust
- Attention to Detail: Spotting inconsistencies or missing information
- Technology Literacy: Navigating document management and eFiling systems
These skills are developed through structured coursework and refined through real-world practice.
How Training Programs Teach These Skills
Paralegal training programs combine classroom learning with practical exercises.
Students learn how to:
- Draft pleadings, contracts, and legal memos
- Conduct case research using legal databases
- Apply proper citation and formatting standards
- Understand civil procedure and discovery rules
- Complete internships for hands-on experience
Programs range from short-term certificates to associate or bachelor’s degrees in paralegal or legal studies, depending on career goals.
Learn more about Paralegal Studies Programs and Paralegal Career Paths.
Next Steps
If you’re detail-oriented, organized, and enjoy research, a paralegal career can be an excellent fit.
Explore training options, review local or online programs, and start developing the skills that law firms rely on most.
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