CHAP2 Defining the Paralegal Profession

Question 1

The basic definition of paralegal

Answer 1

paralegal n. a person who assists an attorney in advocating on behalf of a client or who works for a corporate or goveminent entity dealing with legal matters, and who, in the course of this advocacy, may create legal documents, investigate relevant facts, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and perform any other tasks that an attorney may perform, except give legal advice or act as a legal representative on behalf of another in a court of law

Question 2

Understand the difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary.

Answer 2

A legal secretary’s duties are clerical in nature whereas, as a paralegal may be asked to perform tasks that call for specialized judgement and skills most secretaries do nor possess.

Question 3

The ABA’s role (or lack thereof) in regulating the profession.

Answer 3

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Question 4

The four most common forms of paralegal education.

Answer 4

There are hundreds of paralegal programs in the United States. They usually take one of the following forms:

> An undergraduate certificate program: A paralegal certificate for graduates with only a high school diploma or GED

> A post-baccalaureate certificate program: A paralegal certificate for graduates with college degrees

> A two-year associate’s degree program: A popular form of paralegal study involving general educational requirements as well as paralegal-related courses

> A four-year bachelor’s degree program: A relatively new form of paralegal education providing a full degree

Question 5

The advantages and disadvantages in working for various size law firms.

Firms with One to Five Attorneys

Answer 5

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Question 6

The advantages and disadvantages in working for various size law firms.

Answer 6

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Question 7

The advantages and disadvantages in working for various size law firms.

Answer 7

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Question 8

The advantages and disadvantages in working for various size law firms.

Answer 8

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