Paralegals or legal assistants have a wide variety of job duties and often perform many of the same tasks that a lawyer performs. In addition to investigating case facts, judicial decisions, and other materials, paralegals also prepare and organize documentation for court hearings, trials, meetings, and other business dealings. During legal proceedings, paralegals usually assist attorneys with arguments, pleadings, and motions.

Paralegals hold a variety of jobs depending upon their education level and job experience. Nevertheless, there are typically two types of paralegals: litigation paralegals and corporate paralegals.

Litigation paralegals have many different responsibilities, but spend most of their time preparing for trial. Besides organizing documents needed for motions, briefs, depositions, etc, litigation paralegals also interview witnesses, research and investigate case facts, and much more. Lawyers are increasingly turning to paralegals for assistance. A litigation paralegal can do almost everything that a lawyer can do except give legal advice and present cases in court.

Corporate paralegals also have many different responsibilities, all of which vary depending upon the type of organization that employs them. Typical duties include assisting lawyers with shareholder agreements, contracts, benefit plans, financial reports, loan paperwork, etc. In some cases, paralegals may be responsible for ensuring that the corporation complies with ever-changing government regulations and laws.

Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals. Nearly seven out of ten paralegals are employed by these firms. The remaining paralegals are typically employed by corporate legal departments, courts, banks, community organizations, real estate firms, and insurance companies