Are You Using Paralegals Effectively?

Sometimes, attorneys do work that can be accomplished effectively and efficiently by paralegals. This can create a culture of staff members performing tasks for which they are overqualified, which can reduce the firm's profitability. This blog highlights some considerations to address such concerns.

Determine the scope of responsibility

The National Association of Legal Assistants emphasizes that paralegals "have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney." Generally, paralegals spend some time performing clerical work on a weekly basis, and many regularly communicate directly with clients via email and written letters. Although drafting basic court filings and contracts is a traditional paralegal duty, paralegals are also increasingly managing their firms' technology applications, handling administrative functions and engaging in