Integrated Bar of the Philippines

National Center for Legal Aid

PARALEGAL
Job Description

 Legal Research and Presentations

Paralegals assist lawyers for preparation in filing of cases and trials which
includes conducting legal research and gathering relevant information to the
case. The paralegal researches the facts of the case as well as identifies the
appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles pertinent to the case. After
the paralegal gathers and analyzes information, he then prepares a written report
that the lawyer uses to determine how the case should be handled.

 Client Interviews

Paralegals often conduct initial client interview wherein they can obtain
information about the legal problems of the client. Most clients will present
information in a disorganised or incoherent manner. In order to probe more about
the issues raised by the client, the paralegal conducts initial interview and
prepares a memo summarizing the testimony for the attorney.

 Drafting Legal Documents

This includes drafting pleadings, such as complaints, affidavits and legal

briefs with various parties. Paralegals also ensure that the correct paperwork is
filed with the courts within a specific time period. Other routine tasks are the
processing and transcribing of documents, entering data, scheduling and taking
dictation.
 Law Office Administration

Paralegals handle administrative tasks such as filing papers, answering

telephone calls, and maintaining and organizing reference files. Paralegals are
often in charge of maintaining the schedule of their attorney, and spend some
time of each day calling clients, lawyers, witnesses, experts and court personnel
to schedule interviews, hearings, meetings, depositions, and trials. Paralegals
may also handle any needed travel arrangements of lawyers.