Paralegal and Legal Assistant

Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system. Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits. Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements. Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case. File pleadings with court clerk. Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents. Call upon witnesses to testify at hearing. Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases. Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas. Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.

Legal Secretaries

Prepare and process legal documents and papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements. Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials. Receive and place telephone calls. Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files. Schedule and make appointments. Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter. Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records. Draft and type office memos. Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients. Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2013 and O*Net