What is a Paralegal?

National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)[USA]

“Paralegals perform substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of the paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals have knowledge of the law gained through education or education and work experience, which qualifies them to perform legal work. Paralegals adhere to recognized ethical standards and rules of professional responsibility.”

As you can see, paralegals can perform much of the same work as attorneys. The only difference, aside from law school and passing the Bar, is that paralegals cannot give you legal advice or represent you in court. In all other areas, a paralegal is the right person for you to contact.

Note: In California, paralegals can only work for attorneys. They cannot charge fees for their services as they are employees of the attorney or law firm. The equivalent to a home-based paralegal (AFPS) is called a Legal Document Assistant. They have been trained as we have been, but due to California law, they need to call themselves LDAs if they want to charge for their services and/or run a home business.

"A Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.”

American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)