The Revolution
Contract paralegals are revolutionizing the legal profession. Instead of a small change, the whole process of becoming a paralegal is reviewed, ideas brainstormed, and a new approach is taken. The status quo is thrown out and a new process develops.
Attorneys are often times a little apprehensive about the idea of hiring a contract paralegal. It's true, the risk can be high. However, the payoff can be profound. Paralegals albeit virtual, remote, in-house or freelance are destined to play an essential role in the legal profession. Paralegals are prohibited from the practice of law, and cannot give legal advice. But, due to their specialized experience in a specific practice area, they have the capability to provide high-level legal support services on a broad variety of task for attorneys in every area of the law, and they are a great resource to an organization. Paralegals are capable of doing so much more than new client intakes, case preparation, legal research and returning phone calls... Every aspect of the legal community provide contract paralegals with different opportunities. |
Today’s legal environment consists of clients that are more informative, demanding value-based services and predictable legal fees. At the same time, office overhead and benefits for full-time – or even part-time – paralegal staff has become very costly. |
Attorneys have been known to appoint contract paralegals to act as the liaison between clients, witnesses and opposing counsel. As the point person on large projects, paralegals can ensure that the projects are managed properly. Contract paralegals also have the ability to train new paralegals, legal secretaries, file clerks, etc. on company protocols and case management ensuring there is consistency within the firm.
Contract paralegals don't just work for lawyers... Just like attorneys employed by different classes of organizations, contract paralegals can be employed in several areas of parts of the legal community including the courts, government entities, corporations with in-house legal counsel such as banks, insurance companies, realtors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, etc., and private law firms. The advantages in utilizing the services rendered by contract paralegals are significant. The most significant advantage is that contract paralegals can help increase the efficiency of attorney services. Contract paralegals offer cost-effective ways for providing legal support services and retaining information so attorneys can expand their practice. |