1. A paralegal is “A person who performs certain substantive legal work for and delegated by a lawyer”. Paralegals will assist attorneys with clerical duties along with, meeting clients and keeping in contact with them, assisting in trials, take care of legal documents and proceedings, as well as planning and developing case information. To me they are the lawyers “backbone”. They make the lawyer’s job easier and keeps them organized. 2. There is technically no difference in a “paralegal” and a “legal assistant”. Just like “attorneys” and “lawyers” are the same, “paralegals” and “legal assistants” are synonymous, interchangeable. Some prefer the term paralegal though because; it clearly separates them from legal secretaries, as well as administrative assistants, which are significantly different. 3. In the beginning early 1960’s there were no requirements to become a paralegal, anybody that wanted to be one could be one. Lately, jobs in different locations are starting to demand a bachelor’s degree; a bachelor’s degree is all creating a more competitive advantage in the paralegal market. Currently with there not being any “Mandatory” qualifications, education, training, and experience are highly preferred. 4. …show more content…
Currently there are 6 major paralegal associations. The two main associations are NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) and NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Assistants). Most states have a least one association to be a part of. In 1878 ABA (American Bar Association) was created, it is currently the largest association, having 400,000 members. We also have ALA (The Association of Legal Administration), NALS (National Association of Legal Secretaries), and AAfPE (The American Association for Paralegal Education). Although all of these associations exist, they are all voluntary to be a part of. They provide membership benefits such as, such as job assisting, continuing education, and many