Paralegals, also known as what they are sometimes called, do not just handle paperwork but also play key roles in conducting legal research, skills often emphasized in law school environments. They draft legal documents and legal correspondence, interview clients, conduct research, assist in trial preparation, and manage case files, including organizing and maintaining legal documents. They don’t give out legal advice or practice law, which is left to licensed attorneys, but they do play a very large role in keeping the legal team and other legal professionals running smoothly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, paralegal jobs will grow 4% through to 2032, also which is a note that the field is in fact growing in terms of demand and diversity. We also see from labor statistics that this is good news for professionals in the field, with many advancing to specialist roles or obtaining certified paralegal designations.

In recent years, the role has grown in the virtual space, with many practices aligning with American Bar Association recommendations on remote work. With the implementation of remote work and automation, we see that the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) reports many law firms are adopting Paralegal Virtual Assistants to perform core functions from a distance. We have Paralegal Virtual Assistants who provide the same services as traditional paralegals but do so remotely, which in turn reduces firms’ expenses and gives students faster turnaround times.