Description

Paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as allowed by government legislation, or provide paralegal services on contract to law firms or other establishments. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property matters. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Justices of the peace are employed by federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial courts. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, trademark development and search firms or they may be self-employed.

Job Titles

• Family law paralegal
• Paralegal
• Paralegal
• Real estate law clerk
• Title searcher

Main Duties

• Assist lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
• Assist lawyers in preparation for mediation and judicial dispute resolutions
• Under the supervision of a lawyer, prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
• Research records, court files and other legal documents
• Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.

Workplaces

• Law firms
• Legal departments throughout the private and public sectors
• Record search companies

Skills

• Oral Communication: Oral Comprehension
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Verbal Ability
• Written Comprehension
• Categorization Flexibility
• Information Ordering

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Independence

Similar Occupations

• Legal administrative assistants (13111)

Source: OaSIS