Because they sound similar, it can be easy to confuse paralegal and legal studies. However, it’s always a possibility provided that the legal assistant attends school and earns a college degree. Usually closer to the lower end. passed the standardized testing given by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA And, if that’s the case, then lawyers, who may be extremely budget conscious, are only hiring paralegals. Many schools offer paralegal programs, which are four-year bachelor’s degree programs, in which a person will learn most of the legal basics. A paralegal instead serves in a suppoting role to attorneys, providing research, preparing documents, managing records, and recording certain formal statements that … Whatever career choice you prefer, rest easy in your pick. Nor is a paralegal a court reporter. Within a law firm, little to nothing. 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. 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. If you are looking for a lawyer or paralegal, fill out the form on the side of this page. Area of InterestHealthcareParalegalSports Rehabilitation TherapyPhysical Therapy AideMassage TherapyBusinessCannabisDigital MarketingNot Sure, Clicking the button above constitutes your express written consent to be called and/or texted by Fremont College at the number(s) you provided, regarding furthering your education. 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. What kind of classes were you looking to take? It is just the word secretary is not seen as a great word any more, so people often are called assistants instead of secretaries. 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). 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. Why Paralegals and Legal Assistants are Different. 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. 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. When I first became a paralegal, there was no formal training or certification for it in my state. Another difference between legal assistants and paralegals is the amount of compensation they qualify for. Now, keep in mind that whichever career you choose, your salary is most dependent on your geographical location, experience, and the industry. There are, however, slight differences between the roles of paralegal and legal assistant. The biggest difference between a law clerk and a paralegal can be found in the extent of legal advice they are able to provide. In fact, the terms are defined as meaning the same thing in court rules, statutes, ethical opinions, bar association guidelines and similar documents.Both legal assistants and paralegals help attorneys conduct legal research, draft contracts and business agreements, conduct investigations, and prepare for trial. Although the salary of a paralegal can seem much more attractive, it’s important to remember the differences in education level … Can’t tell the key differences between the two? The jury may rest. Much of your work as a paralegal will require advanced understanding of the law and legal proceedings. As a paralegal consultant and recruiter, I have seen the real-word effect of this change in terminology. Throughout a long history of the legal profession, the terms paralegal and legal assistant have been practically synonymous. Legal Assistants make 30 to 60 k per year. 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. Paralegals, depending on where they work and what they specialize in, can make up to $100K. 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. 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. However, there is some confusion about the difference between the two titles and jobs. Take the First Step Toward Your Criminal Justice Career Now! Another key difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal is the overall compensation. Ready? 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 … G’day - in my experience, there is not much difference. Evidently, those roles are basically administrative in nature. Therefore, a legal assistant may perform the same tasks for an attorney that a paralegal performs for him. But don’t panic; there are still plenty of legal assistant positions out there! 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 Some firms may hire a Paralegal as a legal assistant. 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. Many view paralegals and legal assistants as interchangeable titles and roles. For example, the American Bar Association uses the same definition for both paralegals and legal assistants. 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. 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. Difference between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant 1. A paralegal, also called a legal assistant in some settings, is a person who possesses legal skills and training. What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant? Paralegals without any experience may find it easier to get their foot in the door by working as a legal assistant. Traditional educational paths include two- and four-year courses at universities or community colleges. 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 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. As the legal assistant community continues to evolve, a slight difference … Often a higher position within a firm, the legal assistant vs legal secretary has more duties that are exclusively law. 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.”. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not distinguish between the paralegal vs. legal assistant positions. : Responsibilities Legal Secretary . If you have finished high school and you want to work in the legal field immediately, you may apply into a legal assistant certificate program (Also referred to as a legal secretary by some). By lawyer4life (2) Comments; In California, if you are looking for legal services, you will come across individuals advertising as legal document assistants, paralegals, and attorneys. with materials for educational services via telephone or text message. This has resulted in significant changes between the work that legal assistants and paralegals do. If you are sure that you want to work for a lawyer or law firm one day, you have to decide if you want to become a legal assistant or a paralegal. Unlike the paralegal job description, the responsibilities of legal assistants are much more along the lines of administrative work. 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? They also help their attorney employer work up a case, meaning they do a lot of the heavy research, interview witnesses, and help prepare the arguments the attorney will use during trial. 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. • 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. However, there are certain tasks that are delegated to a legal assistant, while others are more appropriately performed by a paralegal. For those prospective students wondering about the differences between these two professions, here is a look at the two main distinctions between legal assistant and paralegal work in Ontario. A paralegal refers to someone who works for and is supervised by an attorney. 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. Most of the paralegals have at least a college degree. Enroll before classes begin! 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. A paralegal and a legal assistant live in the same building, but in two different apartments. Paralegals have to get, at the very minimum, an associate degree in paralegal studies. What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal? These are both great separate career choices that deserved the settling of this argument. 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 Secretaries vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants Many law firms call their legal secretaries “legal assistants” so they can justify billing clients for these employees' hours as well, but the duties of a legal secretary are typically more limited. They both interact with lawyers and clients. Sure, in some firms, the paralegal is also the legal assistant; but the legal assistant, unless already a paralegal, can’t be both. 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 no way does Fremont College promise or guarantee employment or level of income/wages. To become a paralegal or a legal assistant, multiple educational paths exist. 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. Which Is Better For You: Paralegal Or Court Reporter. Both paralegals and legal assistants can perform substantive legal work under an attorney’s supervision. Legal Assistants make 30 to 60 k per year. After all, legal assistants are also basically legal secretaries. A key difference in the role of legal assistants/paralegals and legal secretaries is that legal assistants/paralegals perform substantive legal work. There is one thing to be aware of, however. G’day - in my experience, there is not much difference. However, more hiring managers are leaning toward bachelor’s degrees as the entry level point for paralegals. P.S., you can also specialize within the field. I see education, experience and professional responsibility becoming the significant difference between the terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" in the future. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. The titles “legal assistant” and “paralegal” were once synonymous. In addition to compensation, a legal assistant might not have an opportunity for career advancement in the legal field. Legal Document Assistants. In contrast, a paralegal will be more involved with the case preparation. Other than that, they’re trained on the job to run all the administrative tasks in the office. 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. Typically, a paralegal and a legal secretary handle different aspects of law cases. The roles of chartered legal executives and paralegals, however, are more confusing.. Legal assistants, on the other hand, bring in around $40K. 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. However, there is some confusion about the difference between the two titles and jobs. So, what’s being advertised on the interwebz probably isn’t going to reflect exactly in your paycheck. A legal assistant may be a paralegal, and a paralegal may be a legal assistant. For those considering a position in the field of law, there are several positions that are found; paralegal, legal secretary, or legal assistant.Many find themselves questioning whether to become as legal secretary vs paralegal or legal assistant. 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. 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." A paralegal, by law, cannot do work for the general public on their own. They’ll also put together files for the attorney to take a gander at. Paralegals are lawyers’ assistants, while legal assistants are lawyers’ secretaries. What are some common questions about Paralegals and Legal Assistants? A legal assistant is generally a legal secretary. In BC, a paralegal is the same thing as a legal assistant. Copyright© 2019 Fremont College. Generally, the term “paralegal” conveys more work of a legal nature, while legal assistant may involve more duties typical of an administrative assistant. Today, the legal document assistant profession is governed by Business and Professions Code Sections 6400 to 6415. Usually closer to the lower end. An assistant job is something that could allow you to perform a number of administrative duties, which you might already know how to do or can easily learn. 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! Paralegals vs. Legal Assistants. The profession of paralegal varies greatly between the states, because some states do require paralegals to be licensed. Most of us think that legal assistants and paralegals are the same but actually there is a difference between the two. There are certifications available for both professions. Q: What’s the difference between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant? … 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. 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. Legal document assistants can help people with filling out specific legal documents. 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. Both of the professions work in a law office or law firm. Paralegals and legal assistants do not receive this money directly, however, as they're typically paid set salaries through the firm. And, they do meeting scheduling to keep the attorney and paralegal on track and on time. But that’s pretty much where their similarities end. The National Association of Legal Assistants states that the terms legal assistant and paralegal are interchangeable. What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal? Drats! Here we go. 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.” The average annual salary for a legal assistant is $41,139 per year, while paralegals earn $51,024 per year. Many students think they carry out much of the same tasks. Because, yes. But, they aren’t. The first difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary is the level of education that is required. One can only surmise it’s because the paralegal is able to do both the administrative tasks, along with those specific to the career. It’s a dream come true for a lot of people to work in the legal field. Due to the higher amount of education that is required and the type … They’ll organize all those files the paralegal and attorney worked hard on. Now, if you were to ask if legal assistants and legal secretaries are the same thing, that would be answered with a resounding YES! What’s the Difference Between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal. The choice will depend on your educational background, desired salary, and where you want to be in the future. Then read on. There is no denying that working in the legal field as a legal assistant or a paralegal can give one a dignified image. We are going to answer your question about the distinct differences between paralegals and legal assistants once and for all. Program InterestHealthcareParalegalSports Rehabilitation TherapyPhysical Therapy AideMassage TherapyBusinessCannabisDigital MarketingNot Sure. A: While Paralegals are more involved in hands-on technicalities of the law, Legal Assistants are concerned with similar, but broader tasks. 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. Let’s say this together, legal assistants and paralegals are not the same career. 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. 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 Difference Between Legal Clerks and Legal Assistants | EHow The Difference Between Legal Clerks and Legal Assistants. Paralegals are not the same thing as legal assistants, and vice versa. However, those in the legal profession use the two terms to describe two very different jobs. 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. A legal assistant during case preparation is usually the one who will organize important files for the lawyer to review. Not even close. By submitting this form, I expressly consent to be contacted by a school/partner in the Career Now Network Because paralegals must complete more education to qualify for their roles, they tend to earn more. 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. Both are professional jobs in the legal division. The legal documents are to be filled out at the client’s direction. Daily tasks include performing research, transcribing interviews, preparing court forms and diary organisation. Legal assistants, however, will most likely only earn around $34,660 a year and there, unfortunately, isn’t as much room for upward growth. 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. Legally, there is no difference between an Independent Paralegal and a Freelance Paralegal, as the laws governing the Paralegal, or Legal Assistant, profession make no distinction between job titles, and treat all non-attorney paralegals the same. A legal assistant is generally a legal secretary. They give your resume an extra layer of umph, and they give employers some added confidence when hiring—certifications prove you know your stuff. During the court proceedings, you may also have to be accessible to the lawyer to provide assistance as necessary. The level of education is the very first basis that completely differentiates the two identities. Home » Legal College » Paralegal School » What’s the Difference Between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal? A legal document assistant is an experienced professional authorized under Calif… Why these two careers show up together in anything other than an article about what makes them different is beyond anyone’s guess. Paralegals, also known as lawyer’s assistants, typically work directly with a lawyer to help draft legal... Legal Assistants. It can be difficult to tell the difference between paralegals and legal assistants... Paralegals. Paralegal or Legal Assistant Qualifications. The legal assistant definition refers to exclusive research and assistance provided to the firm on a legal level, comparing the legal assistant job description more closely to that of a paralegal instead of a legal secretary. Paralegals cannot accept fees for services or independently prepare documents for consumers/the general public. Legal secretaries work in law firms to carry out administrative duties for lawyers. 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. The legal assistant does a lot of administrative work. Both terms are used interchangeably. The biggest difference between a law clerk and a paralegal can be found in the extent of legal advice they are able to provide. For example, a paralegal in Ontario can go to court for simple matters. ... 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. Some firms may hire a Paralegal as a legal assistant. The differences between the traditional legal jobs of solicitors and barristers are well known among most students. 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. In addition, paralegals are able to specialize in certain areas such as criminal law, family law, real estate law and immigration law. 1. While both can play important roles within the legal field, each has a different part to play. 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. Although a Paralegal may also be known as a Legal Assistant, in some geographical areas, there is a difference between the two. Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant: Certifications. Although paralegals are aptly trained and sufficiently knowledgeable with regard to legal matters, it isn’t in their job description to offer legal advice. Paralegals if they are lucky can earn that in 3 to 5 years after starting a business. Sure, in some firms, the paralegal is also the legal assistant; but the legal assistant, unless already a paralegal, can’t be both. What is the difference between Law Clerk and Paralegal? What they can do is explain the documents to their clients to make them more understandable. Paralegals meet with clients, but aren’t really allowed to give legal advice to them. 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. You could make way more, or much less. Difference Between Paralegals and Legal Assistants: In the field of Law, Legal Assistants and Paralegals are some commonly used terms that most people use interchangeably. You’d think if they were similar careers, the salaries would be the same, too. Paralegals are lawyers’ assistants, while legal assistants are lawyers’ secretaries. Our next start is almost here. Oh, the salaries. may be transmitted using an auto dialing system. While both of them are in fact a part of legal field, the truth is that paralegal is a specific field in the legal industry where as legal studies is a broad umbrella term that can include a paralegal program. All rights reserved. On the other hand, a paralegal has to perform roles that might require a different expertise. 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 . Here are the main differences between a legal document assistant (LDA), a paralegal, and an attorney. It is debatable but the Paralegal education is more … What's the Difference? Paralegals without any experience may find it easier to get their foot in the door by working as a … 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. Both legal assistant and a paralegal careers will have to work for a lawyer or law firm. Paralegals have no special “powers or rights” in British Columbia. Education. Paralegals cannot accept fees for services or independently prepare documents for consumers/the general public. The difference between a paralegal and a legal document assistant can be confusing. 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