As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), a Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience, to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, government agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.

The term "paralegal" in previous years was synonymous with legal secretary, whereas persons having those titles were of considerable assistance to attorneys on a day-to-day basis, but did not exactly work independently of the attorney. That has all changed.

The services provided by most paralegals and legal secretaries are quite distinguishable in the current day. Paralegals are now proficient in conducting investigations, legal research and the preparation of pleadings, discovery demands, motions and briefs, without the assistance of an attorney. Courts throughout the United States are cognizant of this and, as a result, fees for paralegal services may now be recoverable in most cases wherever an award of attorney's fees or costs is available.

The first step is for us to work with you and come up with a plan to get the results you need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success.

In conclusion, retaining an independent paralegal is profitable to law firms, furthers public policy and provides quality legal services to the general public at a fair rate. Please note, however, that if you decide to use an independent paralegal, you must remember that we ARE NOT attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice.

Don't wait! Contact us for a free phone consultation. Let us help you figure out what  your best next steps are. The sooner you have a plan of action, the better your chances of taking the correct steps to get the results you want.