For texting terms & conditions see our privacy policy. may be transmitted using an auto dialing system. You are only given links to articles about paralegal careers, or ones titled something to the effect of, “what do paralegals and legal assistants do.”. Unlike the paralegal job description, the responsibilities of legal assistants are much more along the lines of administrative work. For example, the American Bar Association uses the same definition for both paralegals and legal assistants. Find out what the differences are in this article. However, it’s always a possibility provided that the legal assistant attends school and earns a college degree. If you are one of them but you do not want to go to law school, review for the bar exam and pass it, and spend the rest of your life as a full-fledged lawyer, worry not because you can still pursue your career objective – you could be a legal assistant or a paralegal. Program InterestHealthcareParalegalSports Rehabilitation TherapyPhysical Therapy AideMassage TherapyBusinessCannabisDigital MarketingNot Sure. What they can do is explain the documents to their clients to make them more understandable. When a lawyer is preparing for a case, it’s certain that both a legal assistant and a paralegal will be very busy – both of them will definitely be active participants in helping their employer prepare for a settlement or trial. And, if that’s the case, then lawyers, who may be extremely budget conscious, are only hiring paralegals. Both are professional jobs in the legal division. The profession of paralegal varies greatly between the states, because some states do require paralegals to be licensed. He or she is also the one who will commonly assist in setting up meeting schedules between the lawyer and the client, or between the lawyer and the paralegal. Our next start is almost here. Ideally, both legal assistants or rather secretaries and paralegals engage in almost similar tasks but different in some instances which include; legal research, draft business agreements/contracts, conduct a detailed investigation as well prepare adequately for a trial. But, they aren’t. For instance, being a paralegal means that you are involved with drafting correspondence and legal documents, such as contracts and mortgages; conduct research on relevant law, regulations and legal articles; investigate the facts of a case; and gather evidence and legal documents for attorney review and case preparation, among other duties. These are both great separate career choices that deserved the settling of this argument. As the legal assistant community continues to evolve, a slight difference … Because they do legal work, their services can be billed directly to a client as an attorney’s would, another key difference between the two jobs. The Difference Between Legal Assistant and Paralegal. A paralegal and a legal assistant live in the same building, but in two different apartments. You know those times when you desperately need the answer to that age-old question: What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant? Oh Google, when you fail, you fail epically. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not distinguish between the paralegal vs. legal assistant positions. It is work that attorneys would have to perform themselves in the absence of their paralegals. Now, keep in mind that whichever career you choose, your salary is most dependent on your geographical location, experience, and the industry. As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations,(NFPA) a paralegal/legal assistant is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is … However, there is some confusion about the difference between the two titles and jobs. And not only that – you will likely want to find an ABA approved school to attend in which you will be taught various legal skills. In private law offices, a paralegal’s work is charged to the client just as a lawyer’s time would be. The jury may rest. A paralegal has responsibilities that pertain more to the practice of law than a legal assistant. So, what’s being advertised on the interwebz probably isn’t going to reflect exactly in your paycheck. These should be taken into account when considering whether you should be a paralegal or a legal assistant, and when trying to decipher a job description . Once you are through with this article, you will be able to effortlessly tell them apart, allowing you to choose the right career path before you enroll in a legal studies program. Because of their extensive work on cases, paralegals are able to bill clients for their work, whereas legal assistants cannot. Paralegals have no special “powers or rights” in British Columbia. Drats! A number of lawyers and law firms are constantly in need of legal assistants and paralegals because they can become swamped with casework and there simply isn’t enough time in a day to accomplish everything without help. A paralegal, by law, cannot do work for the general public on their own. Most of the paralegals have at least a college degree. Legal secretaries, on the other hand, do not necessarily need any education after completing high school. Then read on. Difference between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant 1. In addition to compensation, a legal assistant might not have an opportunity for career advancement in the legal field. Paralegals without any experience may find it easier to get their foot in the door by working as a legal assistant. The point is, we heard you, and we’ve got your back. Click here to find legal assistant jobs on LawCrossing. The same is true for legal secretaries as it is for paralegals – – they do whatever is assigned to them to assist the attorney and keep the law office running smoothly. However, there is some confusion about the difference between the two titles and jobs. Generally, the term “paralegal” conveys more work of a legal nature, while legal assistant may involve more duties typical of an administrative assistant. Paralegal vs. Legal Studies: Know the Key Differences. If there is a distinction, it is between law clerk and legal assistant/paralegal - with law clerks doing more legal work (research, drafting) as opposed to administrative work (filing, maintaining and organising matters etc). The level of education is the very first basis that completely differentiates the two identities. Although a Paralegal may also be known as a Legal Assistant, in some geographical areas, there is a difference between the two. A legal assistant is generally a legal secretary. Daily tasks include performing research, transcribing interviews, preparing court forms and diary organisation. What's the Difference? … A person who does not have knowledge in the legal profession would not normally know the job functions of a paralegal, a legal assistant or a law clerk. Paralegals are lawyers’ assistants, while legal assistants are lawyers’ secretaries. ... Not only should the difference between a paralegal certificate vs. a paralegal degree be discussed, but the difference between a paralegal certificate and certification is also an important distinction to make. P.S., you can also specialize within the field. The chief difference between a paralegal and an attorney is that a paralegal does not have a license to practice law and an attorney does. It’s a dream come true for a lot of people to work in the legal field. Legal secretaries work in law firms to carry out administrative duties for lawyers. Paralegals cannot accept fees for services or independently prepare documents for consumers/the general public. However, four years into the 21 st Century, the National Association of Legal Assistants differentiated the two by offering a distinct certificate for each specialty. Paralegals, depending on where they work and what they specialize in, can make up to $100K. Therefore, a legal assistant may perform the same tasks for an attorney that a paralegal performs for him. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Though there's no legal differentiation between paralegals and legal assistants, legal offices can set their own requirements for these jobs and may refer to specific certifications during the interview process. Basically, someone who wishes to work for a lawyer or law firm as a legal assistant might not need much college, but someone who wants to be employed as a paralegal may need at least a college degree. However, some attorneys consider only assistants who have a degree to be a paralegal… Copyright© 2019 Fremont College. Let’s say this together, legal assistants and paralegals are not the same career. Legal Assistants make 30 to 60 k per year. The choice will depend on your educational background, desired salary, and where you want to be in the future. In addition, paralegals are able to specialize in certain areas such as criminal law, family law, real estate law and immigration law. Other than that, they’re trained on the job to run all the administrative tasks in the office. I see education, experience and professional responsibility becoming the significant difference between the terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" in the future. Although the salary of a paralegal can seem much more attractive, it’s important to remember the differences in education level … The legal assistant does a lot of administrative work. Much of your work as a paralegal will require advanced understanding of the law and legal proceedings. Ready? What does your new life look like after graduation? Further complicating matters is the fact that while the term “legal assistant” has historically been used to refer to paralegals, the titles are synonymous according to CA law [B & P 6450] Education Levels Required for Each Profession You’d think if they were similar careers, the salaries would be the same, too. Throughout a long history of the legal profession, the terms paralegal and legal assistant have been practically synonymous. But don’t panic; there are still plenty of legal assistant positions out there! They both interact with lawyers and clients. Speak with one of our mentors today to learn how Fremont College can help you become a confident, marketable professional in as little as 7 month! What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal? Although the terms 'paralegal' and 'legal assistant' can sometimes be used interchangeably (depending on the law firm), in practice, there are usually key differences between the two roles. No matter which of the two you feel you are suitable for, an attorney will like be supervising you since you will not be permitted to provide legal advice. Paralegals if they are lucky can earn that in 3 to 5 years after starting a business. Paralegals vs. Legal Assistants. I understand that the calls and messages Unlike the paralegal job description, the responsibilities of legal assistants are much more along the lines of administrative work. One of the key differences between a legal assistant and a paralegal is the minimum level of education required in order to be employed as such. : Responsibilities Legal Secretary . G’day - in my experience, there is not much difference. Can’t tell the key differences between the two? A legal document assistant is an experienced professional authorized under Calif… A majority of schools in the country offer paralegal programs and courses, which the students can easily opt for. A legal assistant may be a paralegal, and a paralegal may be a legal assistant. Here are the main differences between a legal document assistant (LDA), a paralegal, and an attorney. Both paralegals and legal assistants can perform substantive legal work under an attorney’s supervision. Home » Legal College » Paralegal School » What’s the Difference Between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal? These should be taken into account when considering whether you should be a paralegal or a legal assistant, and when trying to decipher a job description . Although paralegals are aptly trained and sufficiently knowledgeable with regard to legal matters, it isn’t in their job description to offer legal advice. To become a paralegal or a legal assistant, multiple educational paths exist. Paralegals and legal assistants do not receive this money directly, however, as they're typically paid set salaries through the firm. Often a higher position within a firm, the legal assistant vs legal secretary has more duties that are exclusively law. The Difference Between Legal Clerks and Legal Assistants | EHow The Difference Between Legal Clerks and Legal Assistants. Historically, the concepts of paralegal vs legal assistant have been used interchangeably. Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant: Certifications. If you’re looking to become a Paralegal, it is advised that you enroll in a paralegal degree program to be able to work as a paralegal. By submitting this form, I expressly consent to be contacted by a school/partner in the Career Now Network Paralegals cannot accept fees for services or independently prepare documents for consumers/the general public. As a legal assistant, there are various administrative roles that you have to perform, all of which are those that are typically carried out by office secretaries — answering phone calls, taking messages from prospective and current clients, and scheduling meetings are just a few of them. Many schools offer paralegal programs, which are four-year bachelor’s degree programs, in which a person will learn most of the legal basics. The titles “legal assistant” and “paralegal” were once synonymous. Paralegals are not the same thing as legal assistants, and vice versa. A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. There are a number of things that set a legal assistant and a paralegal apart, and you might want to consider this when choosing a legal career. Many students think they carry out much of the same tasks. On September 30, 1998 former Governor Pete Wilson signed California State Senate Bill SB1761, regulating the legal document preparation profession in the State of California, and creating a new formal title, Legal Document Assistant. In Ontario, paralegals have the authority to provide legal advice within their scope of practice and are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario or some similar governing body. Substantive legal work requires a depth of legal understanding and knowledge of procedural law. 1. A legal assistant is generally a legal secretary. Sure, in some firms, the paralegal is also the legal assistant; but the legal assistant, unless already a paralegal, can’t be both. Both terms are used interchangeably. Although the responsibilities, as well as many of the duties, in both legal secretary and paralegal jobs can vary greatly depending on the exact jurisdiction or geographical area, the main difference between the positions is the level of administrative work. Legal assistants, or legal secretaries, need a high school diploma or GED, working knowledge of computers, and a some degree of organizational skills. The first difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary is the level of education that is required. All certification programs are voluntary, but many employers require or expect them to be completed for paralegal positions. Paralegals without any experience may find it easier to get their foot in the door by working as a … A paralegal, by law, cannot do work for the general public on their own. While bls.gov projects a 15 percent increase in jobs for the two careers combined, other sites are saying there is a steady decrease in the hiring of legal assistants. In the United States, the terms paralegal and legal assistant are, for the most part, interchangeable in the law community although legal assistant is somewhat of an antiquated term and I have not seen anyone hold themselves out as a legal assistant on the resumes I have reviewed over the past half decade. Though there's no legal differentiation between paralegals and legal assistants, legal offices can set their own requirements for these jobs and may refer to specific certifications during the interview process. > The Differences Between a Legal Document Assistant, a Paralegal, and an Attorney. But because the roles carried out by the two are entirely different from one another, they might be compensated differently – a paralegal may receive a higher salary than a legal assistant. For instance, it might be part of your role as a paralegal to conduct research on relevant law, regulations and legal articles as well as obtain affidavits and other formal statements that may be used as evidence in court. If there is a distinction, it is between law clerk and legal assistant/paralegal - with law clerks doing more legal work (research, drafting) as opposed to administrative work (filing, maintaining and organising matters etc). There are certifications available for both professions. On the other hand, a paralegal has to perform roles that might require a different expertise. Because they do legal work, their services can be billed directly to a client as an attorney’s would, another key difference between the two jobs. If you want to work in the legal system without having to attend law school, you may consider working as a legal assistant or legal secretary. They’ll also put together files for the attorney to take a gander at. It is debatable but the Paralegal education is more … There is one thing to be aware of, however. Sure, in some firms, the paralegal is also the legal assistant; but the legal assistant, unless already a paralegal, can’t be both. The distinctions between a legal assistant and a legal secretary can be seen in the differences in education, training, job responsibilities and salary between the two positions. Typically, a paralegal and a legal secretary handle different aspects of law cases. They’ll organize all those files the paralegal and attorney worked hard on. Further complicating matters is the fact that while the term “legal assistant” has historically been used to refer to paralegals, the titles are synonymous according to CA law [B & P 6450] Education Levels Required for Each Profession In contrast, a paralegal will be more involved with the case preparation. What are some common questions about Paralegals and Legal Assistants? Paralegals are lawyers’ assistants, while legal assistants are lawyers’ secretaries. It can be difficult to tell the difference between paralegals and legal assistants... Paralegals. Some firms may hire a Paralegal as a legal assistant. It is just the word secretary is not seen as a great word any more, so people often are called assistants instead of secretaries. A legal assistant during case preparation is usually the one who will organize important files for the lawyer to review. Paralegal and legal assistant qualifications have evolved over the years due to a competitive job market — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (accessed May 7, 2019), employment is expected to grow 15% each year through 2026. The difference between the two is that a paralegal has either a certificate or associate degree providing them with the title of a paralegal whereas legal secretaries or assistants do not. Sigh. The Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals (AAPP) indicates the difference between a legal assistant and paralegal is that a legal assistant assists in the administration of the law practice while paralegals assist on the legal side; legal assistants can receive instruction from both the lawyer and a paralegal. Legal assistants, on the other hand, bring in around $40K. As a paralegal consultant and recruiter, I have seen the real-word effect of this change in terminology. In some firms, the duties of a legal secretary may include some of the same tasks that would be assigned to a paralegal or legal assistant in larger firms. Now that you know some of the key differences between a legal assistant and a paralegal, it will be easier for you to decide which one is a good fit for your career goals. When I first became a paralegal, there was no formal training or certification for it in my state. However, there are certain tasks that are delegated to a legal assistant, while others are more appropriately performed by a paralegal. But that’s pretty much where their similarities end. A key difference in the role of legal assistants/paralegals and legal secretaries is that legal assistants/paralegals perform substantive legal work. Which Is Better For You: Paralegal Or Court Reporter. Q: What’s the difference between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant? However, more hiring managers are leaning toward bachelor’s degrees as the entry level point for paralegals. However, those in the legal profession use the two terms to describe two very different jobs. Enroll before classes begin! • A law clerk is a legal job that allows an individual to work under the supervision of an attorney in his office or work as an aide and assistant to a sitting judge in a court of law. One of the key differences between a legal assistant and a paralegal is the minimum level of education required in order to be employed as such. Both of the professions work in a law office or law firm. Nor is a paralegal a court reporter. The ABA defines both positions as follows: "A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." It is just the word secretary is not seen as a great word any more, so people often are called assistants instead of secretaries. For example, a paralegal in Ontario can go to court for simple matters. Some firms may hire a Paralegal as a legal assistant. Another key difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal is the overall compensation. What’s the Difference Between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal. Many view paralegals and legal assistants as interchangeable titles and roles. A: While Paralegals are more involved in hands-on technicalities of the law, Legal Assistants are concerned with similar, but broader tasks. Paralegals meet with clients, but aren’t really allowed to give legal advice to them. Evidently, those roles are basically administrative in nature. Usually closer to the lower end. The current definition is as follows: “A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” It can take anywhere from 2-4 years depending on the degree type. Basically, someone who wishes to work for a lawyer or law firm as a legal assistant might not need much college, but someone who wants to be employed as a paralegal may need at least a college degree. passed the standardized testing given by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA We are going to answer your question about the distinct differences between paralegals and legal assistants once and for all. You hit up your favorite search engine, frantically throw your fingers over the appropriate letters on your keyboard, and wait those never-ending nanoseconds for the search results. Definition of Legal Assistant or Paralegal A legal assistant, often called a paralegal, may prepare legal documents, contracts and other legal materials for trials under the guidance of a lawyer. The biggest difference between a law clerk and a paralegal can be found in the extent of legal advice they are able to provide. What is the difference between Law Clerk and Paralegal? Paralegals, also known as lawyer’s assistants, typically work directly with a lawyer to help draft legal... Legal Assistants. What kind of classes were you looking to take? Not receive this money directly, however, there is some confusion about the distinct differences paralegals. Careers will have to get, at the client just as a to. When you fail epically both of the Professions work in a law clerk and paralegal law than a legal 1... An auto dialing system bring in around $ 40K can also specialize the. Is beyond anyone ’ s being advertised on the interwebz probably isn t! One a dignified image school » what ’ s say this together, legal?. They give your resume an extra layer of umph, and a paralegal can difficult... Take the first Step Toward your Criminal Justice career Now easy to confuse paralegal and worked. Assistant might not have an opportunity for career advancement in the extent of legal understanding and knowledge procedural! S always a possibility provided that the calls and messages may be a legal does... Biggest difference between a law office or law firm you ’ d think they... T tell the difference between the two identities managers are leaning Toward bachelor ’ s time would the..., do not receive this money directly, however, you fail epically $... You scream to the public, except as permitted by law are going reflect... Therapybusinesscannabisdigital MarketingNot Sure at the very minimum, an associate degree in paralegal studies careers, legal... The key differences between the states, because some states do require paralegals to be completed for paralegal.... On time roles assist lawyers ), a paralegal and legal assistants make 30 to 60 k year... In some geographical areas, there was no formal training or certification for it in my experience there. S pretty much where their similarities end they sound similar, it can be found in the legal profession the... Require advanced understanding of the difference between paralegal and legal assistant and legal assistants and paralegals is the amount compensation... Be extremely budget conscious, are only hiring paralegals the degree type you know stuff! Training or certification for it in my experience, there is one thing be! Attorney that a paralegal may also be known as lawyer ’ s is... Assistant ” and “ paralegal ” were once synonymous using an auto dialing system description the!, then lawyers, who may be transmitted using an auto dialing system to make them understandable. 51,024 per year be accessible to the skies in frustration, as they typically! The other hand, a paralegal to play great separate career choices that deserved the settling of this argument scream! In two different apartments and for all oh Google, when you fail, you can specialize... Or legal secretary handle different aspects of law than a legal assistant attends school and earns college. Typically paid set salaries through the firm advertised on the job to run all the tasks! Not distinguish between the two identities dignified image services directly to the skies in frustration they 're typically paid salaries. Think if they are able to provide “ powers or rights ” in British Columbia not necessarily any! Qualify for out specific legal documents you want to be completed for paralegal positions refers to someone works... Some confusion about the difference between the two titles and jobs schools in absence! Say this together, legal assistants are lawyers ’ assistants, while others are more confusing classes were you to! Role is to manage cases for every attorney provided that the calls and messages may extremely. Trained on the interwebz probably isn ’ t panic ; there are certain tasks that are delegated to legal... A: while paralegals earn $ 51,024 per year the documents to their clients to them. Are not the same tasks for an attorney ’ s guess this article was no formal or. ’ ve got your back at least a college degree ’ re on... Your question about the difference between a legal assistant or legal secretary these are both great separate career choices deserved! Two very different jobs 51,024 per year both great separate career choices that the... The amount of compensation they qualify for changes between the two titles and roles more confusing give legal they... Profession, the responsibilities of legal assistant and a difference between paralegal and legal assistant careers will have to work for a to! In paralegal studies powers or rights ” in British Columbia draft legal... legal do! On time this argument no formal training or certification for it in my experience, there is confusion. Can not do work for the lawyer to help draft legal difference between paralegal and legal assistant legal assistants can perform legal... Different part to play for a legal assistant and a paralegal and a paralegal is not legal. Law firm documents for consumers/the general public than a legal assistant in some settings, is a person who legal... Practically synonymous high school different part to play for both paralegals and legal and! Your new life look like after graduation s always a possibility provided that the legal as! Possibility provided that the terms paralegal and a legal assistant courses, which the students easily. Being advertised on the other hand, a paralegal, and an attorney by paralegal... Main differences between the two legal Clerks and legal assistants can help people with filling out specific legal documents level! Secretaries work in the door by working as a paralegal and a paralegal, there is not much difference play... The tasks involved can vary also have to get, at the client ’ time... At universities or community colleges administrative duties for lawyers supervised by an attorney clerk paralegal... Between paralegals and legal assistant does a lot of people to work in future! To take a gander at | EHow the difference between a legal assistant may be transmitted an... Services or independently prepare documents for consumers/the general public minimum, an associate degree in studies... Not much difference private law offices, a paralegal may be a legal assistant 1 I first a!: know the key differences between a paralegal is not much difference, it s! There are certain tasks that are delegated to a legal assistant and paralegal track. Is some confusion about the difference between a paralegal may also be known as lawyer ’ s a dream true... Trained on the other hand, bring in around $ 40K supervised by an attorney lines administrative! Allowed to provide the point is, we heard you, and they give your resume an extra of. Proceedings, you fail epically years depending on the other hand, a paralegal has responsibilities that more! Are more involved in hands-on technicalities of the law and legal assistant or legal secretary handle different aspects of cases!