When you think of legal professionals, lawyers usually take center stage. But behind every successful attorney is a hardworking assistant for lawyers or an entire team, and two key players on that team are paralegals and legal assistants. Although they are distinct, these responsibilities are frequently confused with one another and even utilized interchangeably.
But the truth is, understanding the difference between paralegal vs. legal assistant is essential for staffing strategically, especially if you’re considering hiring remote or virtual legal support. Let’s break it down so you can determine who you need on your team.
What’s a Paralegal?
A subgroup of legal assistants, paralegals have a background in law and have completed formal education programs, usually leading to a bachelor’s degree. A degree in paralegal studies or a closely related subject is typically necessary for paralegals, and some may even choose to get certification from an official body in the area.
Although paralegals and legal assistants share some duties, paralegals emphasize research, document preparation, witness interviews, case analysis, and trial preparation. Paralegals play a crucial role in the legal team and contribute to the efficient and effective preparation of cases.
Nevertheless, they do not have the authority to give clients legal advice or represent them in court. Their credentials are superior to those of a legal assistant.
Paralegals often handle tasks such as:
- Interviewing clients and keeping in touch with them
- Researching the law
- Creating legal papers, briefs, and letters
- Presenting oneself in court with attorneys
- Finding witnesses and questioning them
- Creating and presenting evidence for use in jury trials
- Making summaries of evidence presented during depositions and interrogatories
- Engaging in an appeal battle with opposing counsel
- Making and signing documents that do not include recommendations from attorneys or other independent legal opinions
- Paying customers for their services
And What About Legal Assistants?
Legal secretaries and assistants help lawyers and law firms with paperwork and other legal and administrative tasks. Among a legal assistant’s many responsibilities are the following: research, document authoring, case and system filing, client meeting scheduling, phone calls, and trial preparation.
In some instances, they may work with other experts, including court reporters and expert witnesses. Legal assistants help attorneys and their clients succeed, even if they don’t need a law degree (a high school diploma is usually enough). They offer advice and defend clients in court. Sometimes they are considered administrative staff aids.
Assistance with administrative and customer service duties is provided by legal assistants, who assist with:
- Drafting and editing letters and legal papers
- Overseeing client invoicing by creating and distributing invoices and handling billing inquiries
- Gathering documents for the lawyer to evaluate
- Setting up interviews, depositions, and talks with clients and witnesses
- Creating and maintaining paper and digital file systems for archival purposes
- Making travel arrangements and keeping the lawyer’s schedule up to date are examples of general administrative support
Where Do the Lines Blur?
Paralegals and legal assistants differ significantly in the breadth of their duties. Researching the law, creating legal documents, and communicating with clients are all responsibilities that paralegals, who often have greater training and education in the field, may take on.
Conversely, legal assistants commonly perform clerical and administrative duties, such as organizing files and papers, making appointment and court date schedules, and liaising with clients and other parties engaged in legal proceedings.
Also, depending on the state and the company, the words “paralegal” and “legal assistant” might mean the same thing.
Here are the primary differences between paralegals and legal assistants:
Case Preparation Duties
Cases are prepared for trial by both paralegals and legal assistants. A paralegal’s duties include gathering information for trial, conducting interviews with prospective witnesses and other parties involved, and drafting arguments and statements to be presented by the lawyer.
Administrative tasks typically make up the bulk of a legal assistant’s time. They prepare the case for trial by sorting papers and files for the attorney to peruse. They can also schedule meetings with clients, witnesses, and other parties for the paralegal and the lawyer.
Client Contact
Paralegals write legal documents and explain them to clients, but don’t give legal advice. Legal assistants’ interactions with clients are limited to administrative tasks, including answering phones, setting up appointments, and gathering data. This contact saves the lawyer time and expedites the legal process.
Educational requirements
Education is a major distinction between legal assistants. Paralegals typically have two-year associate’s degrees or four-year bachelor’s degrees. Legal assistants may need no extra schooling beyond high school. Some law companies provide on-the-job training for non-lawyers. Some firms prefer legal assistants with associate degrees or certificates.
Paralegals and legal assistants need not be certified, although it may boost their credibility and pay.
Skills
Legal assistants and paralegals share abilities. Legal assistants are responsible for a wider range of tasks, whereas paralegals focus on the finer points of the law.
Key Differences at a Glance
For your convenience, here’s a brief side-by-side comparison:
| Category | Paralegal | Legal Assistant |
| Main Focus | Legal research, case prep, drafting | Administrative support, scheduling, and filing |
| Training | Specialized legal education or certification | Office experience or associate’s degree |
| Certifications | NALA, NFPA, state-specific licenses | CLP, administrative certifications |
| Legal Tasks | Yes, but under attorney supervision | Limited or none |
| Client Interaction | Often conducts interviews and communicates with clients | Usually limited to scheduling or coordination |
| Autonomy | Works independently on legal tasks | More guided by an attorney or a paralegal |
Choosing the Right Legal Support Role
In general, paralegals devote more time and energy to research and legal work on behalf of attorneys, while legal assistants or litigation assistants typically handle both administrative and legal matters. Familiarity with the ins and outs of the law is essential in both roles.
While some firms may opt for legal assistants to reduce staffing costs and keep more responsibility within the attorney’s scope, this tradeoff can often lead to inefficiencies. Knowing when to delegate legal versus administrative tasks—and to whom—can mean the difference between growth and burnout.
If your firm is considering expanding its virtual team, aligning the right role with the right workload is crucial. With the right mix of paralegal and legal assistant support, you can reduce operational bottlenecks, meet client demands faster, and maintain the high standards your practice is known for.