Idaho State University

Idaho State University

Find a job as a paralegal professional

Paralegals are integral members of any legal team and may also be referred to as legal assistants. Paralegals are responsible for duties such as interviewing clients, investigating facts, conducting legal research, drafting legal correspondence and documents, organizing and analyzing case information and materials, and providing general assistance in all phases of litigation.

The Paralegal Studies program prepares students with knowledge and skills that will enable them to perform these tasks competently and effectively in a variety of legal settings. Civil litigation, bankruptcy, corporate, criminal, administrative, environmental, real estate, domestic, health care, employment, estate planning are some of the areas in which Paralegals can work. Classes of the Paralegal Studies program give students information in specialized legal areas and in gaining required skills.

Paralegal opportunities

The most common employment site is a law firm. Paralegals can also find opportunities in government agencies, courts, legal clinics, corporations, banks, insurance companies, title companies, records centers, and a host of other business where legal work is necessary. Paralegals provide many of the same services as lawyers, yet they do not actually practice law or have clients, as this term is used legally. Paralegals carry out tasks delegated and supervised by lawyers, who are ultimately responsible for the tasks. Paralegals may perform limited legal tasks specified by the law as acceptable work for non-lawyers.