Clovis Community College
Paralegals enjoy one of the fastest developing occupations in the country!
New Mexico employment and Outlook data indicates that the demand for paralegals statewide will enjoy an increase of 58% between 1998 and 2008, with the highest increase in employment opportunities occurring in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces.
What is the function of a Paralegal?
Paralegals and legal assistants are one and the same, and their function is to assist qualified lawyers in the way the provide their legal services. Among many other tasks, they:
- Prepare briefs and summarize documents
- Carry out legal research
- Draft documents
- Conduct interviews with clients and witnesses
- Prepare exhibits for trial
- Maintain files and other records
What are the skills that a Paralegal needs?
A paralegal, or legal assistant, will need:
- Good Written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of computer technology, and good keyboard skills
- Knowledge and ability on how to conduct research
- An analytical mind, and the ability to think a problem through
- An enquiring mind, and an ability to investigate and ask questions
- Be organized yet flexible
- Be able to work alone and independently with the minimum of supervision
- The ability to keep confidences, and to maintain an ethical attitude to their work
- Understand the limitations of the paralegal's responsibilities, and not give legal advice
