Hours of work
- 14 hours per week
Salary
- £34,272
Hybrid working
- Glasgow
Starting ASAP
- 8 weeks - possible extension
Conducting research
Most paralegals spend a lot of their time conducting research. This includes both legal and documentation research. When conducting legal research, they're responsible for identifying specific laws or regulations that lawyers and others at the firm can apply to the specific cases they're working on. The purpose of this process is to help the leading lawyer obtain enough information and supporting documentation to back up their client's claims.Related: A guide to secondary research: methods, examples, benefits
Interacting with clients and witnesses
Paralegals often act as liaisons between law firms and clients, witnesses, investigators or court officials. They regularly meet with these third parties to draft documentation and prepare cases for trials. Additionally, paralegals may also instruct witnesses and clients on court procedures. In some cases, such as when the case they're researching involves international clients, a paralegal's employer may require them to participate in business travel. During this time, they'd work from a different office or attend meetings at the locations that clients and witnesses specify.Related: Interpersonal skills: interview questions and sample answers
Handling legal documents
Paralegals spend a lot of time working in an office environment preparing cases, which involves collecting, evaluating, sorting and storing legal documentation. They may draft correspondence on behalf of their clients or write pleadings, including complaints or deposition notices. Paralegals that work for private businesses may also work with business documentation, such as non-disclosure agreements, employment contracts or partnership agreements.Related: What is technical documentation and why is it important?
Managing court preparation
Whenever there's a trial approaching, paralegals may be responsible for supporting lawyers as they prepare for court appearances. They often help them draft their opening and closing arguments. Thanks to the work of a paralegal, lawyers have more time to practise their speeches and can simply review the information that the paralegal has collected for them.Related: 18 impactful presentation tips to foster engagement
Coordinating law offices
Many paralegals, especially those who work for smaller legal firms, may be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of law offices. This includes greeting clients, scheduling meetings or taking phone calls. Regularly, they use their project management and administrative skills to make sure the firm operates smoothly. For example, they may be responsible for keeping the firm's law library up-to-date or coordinating any maintenance work that takes place at the location.