Hire An Attorney Or Paralegal?

When a legal matter arises, many individuals wonder if they should hire an attorney or a paralegal. The answer to their question will depend on the circumstances and need. Paralegals don’t have the depth of training and expertise that lawyers have, but they are still very qualified to take care of multiple law related matters. Here are some things to think about.

An attorney goes to three years of Law School which is a graduate program following four years of undergrad university studies. Some law students attend school part time in order to hold down a day job. The student must then pass the Bar Exam, which is a rigorous test of all knowledge learned during the previous three years. The undergrad years should be spent finessing writing and speech skills, as these are qualities that need to be topnotch. These individuals should also have good organizational and analytical skills. An attorney’s salary is substantial. Their annual income can range from $75,000 to $175,000.

A paralegal goes to school for a shorter length of time. Many community colleges offer a two-year associate degree or a certificate program. The certificate program is only a one yearlong stint and is most appropriate for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. Certificate programs are comprised of courses directly related to the major while an associates program will include basic college classes such as English 101 and Humanities 101. Some law firms choose to train their own paralegals instead of requiring them to become certified through college. These occupations draw salaries from between $25,000 to $55,000 a year.

Typical legal tasks that would be appropriate for paralegals would include assisting attorneys with preparation for trial cases and filing paperwork. They are adept and qualified in helping clients with paperwork for taxes, simple divorces, incorporations and other less complex legal duties. They often work in community-minded organizations and offer legal guidance and assistance to the elderly and those with low income. Because they are less trained than full-fledged lawyers, they charge a lower fee. This makes legal advice more accessible to the average citizen.

Lawyers must pass the state bar exam before they can practice law. Paralegals may take a certification examination, but it is not a requirement before they practice. To become certified is voluntary, but it could help a person get a job and compete more effectively in the employment market. The certifications offered are either the CP or CLA designation. CP stands for certified paralegal. CLA stands for certified legal assistant, which is an alternate title of this occupation.

If a client has a complex legal issue or a trial case, he or she should contact a law practice and seek counsel from a full-fledged lawyer. If a person is low income, elderly or just has a simple task such as form filling or filing, than a paralegal could be appropriate for the job. If a consumer has a legal issue to contend with, he or she should contact either an attorney or a paralegal in order to be guided in the right direction.