Paralegals provide a vital service for attorneys. Not only do they provide much of the research an attorney will use to present a case in court, but they also help them organize files, prepare documents, and record important information. In some cases, a paralegal will also serve as a liaison between attorneys and their clients.
If you’ve ever thought of becoming a paralegal as a career option, read on for a guide to some of the most essential skills you need to succeed in the profession.
Important Paralegal Skills
Of course, paralegals need to have a substantial amount of specialized knowledge about the law and legal processes, especially in areas that the law firm where they work specializes (such as family law or medical malpractice law). However, that isn’t all it takes to excel as a paralegal. Being able to memorize legal facts won’t mean much without these abilities:
Communication Skills
Because much of the job of a paralegal involves interacting with others, it is vital that you know how to communicate effectively through different mediums. Paralegals are often responsible for drafting law briefs, writing case reports, and corresponding with clients and fellow law professionals, so you will need to have excellent written communication skills. In addition, you will need to have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well verbally, as you’ll be expected to interview case witnesses and coordinate meetings between attorneys and their clients.
Research Skills
An important part of a paralegal’s job is to ensure that attorneys have quality data and supporting documentation to prove their legal arguments. This means you will spend many hours at the local law library, tracking down old cases and fact-checking information. With well-developed research skills, you can work more quickly and efficiently.
Organizational and Multi-Tasking Skills
In order to coordinate work on dozens of cases simultaneously, paralegals need to be able to organize information and properly prioritize different tasks. While much of your time may be spent sorting or organizing raw data and case files, you will also be tasked with other time-sensitive duties around the office. This means you will need to have a well-honed instinct on how to manage your time throughout the day to maximize your productivity.
How to Become a Paralegal
A high-quality paralegal training program will equip you with knowledge of the legal system while also helping you develop the personal skills that you’ll need to thrive in this career field. The Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) Paralegal program at IMBC will prepare you for work as a paralegal in law firms, business sector legal departments, or government agencies in about 1.5 years. Contact us today and take the first step towards a fulfilling new career.