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Legal Technician (Paralegal)  What They Do

Just the Facts


Assists lawyers by researching legal precedents, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. Conducts research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster Legal Services pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Prepares affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organizes and maintains documents in paper or electronic filing system.
  • Prepares for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
  • Prepares legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
  • Meets with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
  • Files pleadings with court clerk.
  • Gathers and analyzes research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
  • Calls upon witnesses to testify at hearing.
  • Investigates facts and law of cases and searches pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
  • Directs and coordinates law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
  • Keeps and monitors legal volumes to ensure that law library is up-to-date.

Insider Info

Dig into the details and check out what people in this job have to say about their work.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Legal Investigator -- Researches and prepares cases relating to administrative appeals of civil service members.
  • Patent Agent -- Prepares and presents patent application to U.S. Patent Office and in patent courts, according to familiarity with patent law and filing procedures. Must be registered by U.S. Patent Office. Cannot practice law or appear in other courts.