A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
Description Under direction, assists in the preparation of cases for legal action, conducts assigned legal research, gathers factual information, and assists in the preparation of legal documents; does other related duties. Examples of Duties Gathering all relevant facts pertaining to the case in preparation for trial. Conducts legal research to identify laws, judicial decisions, legal precedents, and other relevant case material and prepares report of findings. Prepares drafts of legal arguments and various legal documents, obtains affidavits, and assists the attorney during trial or hearing. Organizes and maintains reference files, collects and analyzes evidence for hearings, and prepares informative or explanatory material on relevant laws, and agency regulation and policy. Researches and analyzes law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and legal codes to prepare drafts of legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and contracts for the review, approval, and use by attorney. Obtains documents from appropriate sources. Prepares reports, findings, surveys, and recommendations to assist members of the legal staff. Provides technical assistance. Reviews and answers correspondence. Reviews brief format prior to court submission. May schedule cases for attorneys and assemble data and information required for preparation of court cases. Interviews clients. Locates and interviews witnesses. Drafts correspondence and pleadings. Summarizes depositions, interrogatories, and testimony for review. Examines case files and records; determines issues and sufficiency of evidence or documentation. Briefs attorneys prior to a hearing or court appearance, assembles and arranges case files, documents, and exhibits. Attends court sessions or hearings. Establishes and maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Typical Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree as a Legal Assistant or in Paralegal Studies, or an Associate or Bachelor's Degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.
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A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree may be substituted for the above education.
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Rule 1:20-20(a) prohibits attorneys that have been disbarred, resigned with prejudice, transferred to disability-inactive status, or is under suspension from the practice of law in this or any other jurisdiction from being employed as paralegals/legal assistants in the State of New Jersey.
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Two (2) years of experience in the preparation of drafts of contracts, briefs, motions, affidavits, or other legal documents and/or experience in the analysis of judicial decisions, legal opinions, rulings, memoranda, and other legal material, and the preparation of summaries of the points of law involved, may be substituted for the above education requirement.
