How to Be Research Paralegal - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 17, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The development of paralegal services has had a positive effect on law firms, as these services have become a critical component of the legal system. Paralegals are highly trained professionals who provide legal assistance and support to lawyers, and they are able to take on a variety of tasks such as conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, providing client support, and even conducting investigative work. By taking on these tasks, paralegals free up lawyers to focus on more complex cases and matters, making them more efficient and allowing them to take on more clients.

paralegals are less expensive to hire than lawyers, making them a cost-effective option for law firms. the use of paralegals has enabled law firms to expand their services while increasing their efficiency and overall profitability.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. A bachelors degree is the minimum educational requirement for most research paralegal positions. Coursework should include classes in legal research and writing, as well as classes in related areas such as business law and criminal justice.
Obtain Paralegal Certification. Although not all employers require paralegal certification, it is recommended for those interested in research paralegal positions. A certified paralegal demonstrates a commitment to ones profession and industry.
Gain Experience. Employers prefer to hire research paralegals with some work experience. Working as a legal assistant or intern in a law office or other legal environment can provide the necessary exposure to the legal field.
Develop Research Skills. Research paralegals must be proficient in researching and analyzing information from both print and electronic sources. Those interested in research paralegal positions should take coursework and/or obtain certifications in specialized areas such as e-discovery or computer-assisted legal research.
Develop Analytical Skills. Research paralegals must be able to read, analyze and interpret legal documents and other information. Taking coursework in legal research and writing can help develop these skills.
Join Professional Associations. Joining professional associations can provide access to resources and networking opportunities that can be beneficial to research paralegals. It can also provide an opportunity to stay current on industry trends and news.

Staying updated and competent as a paralegal requires dedication and effort. To remain up to date with the latest developments in the legal field, paralegals must read industry publications, attend continuing education courses and seminars, and participate in professional organizations. Reading legal publications helps paralegals stay informed of trends and changes in laws and regulations, while attending educational courses and seminars helps to deepen their understanding of the legal process.

Furthermore, joining professional organizations can give paralegals access to networking opportunities, resources, and job opportunities. By dedicating themselves to these activities, paralegals can maintain a high level of expertise and stay current with the latest developments in the legal field.

You may want to check Research Associate Professor, Research Accountant, and Qualitative Market Research Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct legal research using online databases and other research tools
Prepare legal documents, such as pleadings, discovery requests, subpoenas, motions, and briefs
Assist attorneys with trial preparation, including witness preparation and exhibit organization
Prepare and organize case files, including electronic files
Gather, analyze, and summarize legal documents
Manage timelines and deadlines associated with cases
Facilitate communication between attorneys, clients, witnesses, and other parties
Monitor court activity and update case status
Manage the billing process for attorney time and expenses
Oversee document production and filing requirements in both state and federal courts

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of legal terminology and processes
Ability to conduct legal research using both online and traditional methods
Strong researching, writing, and communication skills
Ability to accurately interpret legal documents
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to create and maintain organizational systems
Knowledge of legal databases and research tools
Understanding of the court system and legal procedures
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

The most important skill for a research paralegal is the ability to conduct detailed and accurate research. This includes the ability to analyze the facts, draw logical conclusions, and identify relevant legal cases. Research paralegals must also have a comprehensive understanding of the legal process and the laws which govern the area of practice in which they work.

In addition, research paralegals must be organized and have excellent communication skills to be able to effectively present their findings to attorneys and other legal professionals. Having these skills can facilitate successful legal research, which can lead to more successful legal outcomes. Furthermore, having expertise in research can help paralegals gain new job opportunities and advancement within their field.

Research Sociologist, Research Librarian, and Research Intern are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Research Paralegal?
How comfortable are you working with legal documents?
What research techniques do you use to gather information for cases?
Are you familiar with legal research databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw?
How do you stay current on changes to the legal system?
What strategies do you use to analyze complex legal documents?
Are you familiar with court filing requirements and procedures?
What methods do you use to prioritize tasks and manage your time?
How would you handle a request from a client or attorney that requires a quick turnaround?
How comfortable are you with using technology to research and create documents?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Word. Word processing software used to create documents such as letters, reports, and presentations. (Example: Create a legal brief using Microsoft Word).
Westlaw. Online legal research database with access to statutes, regulations, court opinions, and other legal resources. (Example: Research the legal history of a case using Westlaw).
LexisNexis. Online legal research database with access to statutes, regulations, court opinions, and other legal resources. (Example: Locate relevant case law using LexisNexis).
Adobe Acrobat. Software used to convert files into PDF documents. (Example: Create a PDF copy of a contract using Adobe Acrobat).
Legal Forms Database. Online database with access to hundreds of legal forms. (Example: Find the necessary forms needed to start a business using the legal forms database).
Document Management System. Software used to store, track, and manage legal documents. (Example: Set up a document management system to keep track of case documents).
Court Records Database. Online database with access to court records from state and federal courts. (Example: Research court records to locate a case file using the court records database).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA)
American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)
American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals (ABA-SCP)
The Paralegal Association of Florida (PAF)
American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)
National Notary Association (NNA)
The American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA)
International Association of Certified Forensic Investigators (IACFI)
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)

We also have Research Specialist, Medical Research Scientist, and Research Geologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Discovery. The process of gathering facts and documents related to a case, as part of the pre-trial phase of litigation.
Pleadings. Written documents filed by parties to a lawsuit that set out the facts, allegations, and legal theories upon which each side is relying.
Pre-trial motion. A motion filed by a party prior to trial that requests the court to take some specific action or ruling on an issue.
Deposition. A formal question-and-answer session in which witnesses are asked questions by the opposing party's attorney, while under oath and in the presence of a court reporter.
Subpoena. A document issued by the court that requires a witness to appear or provide documents related to a case.
Legal research. An investigation into the facts and laws related to a legal matter, with the goal of providing a client with an informed opinion on the best course of action.
Research databases. Online databases containing a wide range of materials, such as statutes, case law, and scholarly articles, that can be used for legal research.
Citation format. A standardized way of referencing legal sources, such as court opinions and statutes, in written documents.
Westlaw/LexisNexis/Bloomberg Law. Three of the most popular online legal research services available to attorneys and paralegals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Research Paralegal?

To become a Research Paralegal, you will need a minimum of an associates degree in paralegal studies, along with certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

How much does a Research Paralegal make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Research Paralegals is $50,410. Wages vary depending on experience, location and industry.

What are the duties of a Research Paralegal?

The primary duties of a Research Paralegal include researching legal precedents, drafting documents, organizing evidence, and preparing legal documents for trial. They may also be responsible for managing client communication, preparing legal pleadings, and helping attorneys prepare for trial.

What type of environment do Research Paralegals work in?

Research Paralegals typically work in law firms, legal departments of corporations, or government offices. They may also work in a variety of other areas such as public interest law organizations or non-profit organizations.

What are some of the skills required to be a successful Research Paralegal?

Successful Research Paralegals must have excellent research and writing skills, strong organizational abilities, and an in-depth knowledge of legal procedures and terminology. They must also be detail-oriented, have good communication skills, and be able to work well under pressure.

Web Resources

Paralegal College | Center for Advanced Legal Studies www.paralegal.edu
About | Center for Advanced Legal Studies - Paralegal www.paralegal.edu
Paralegal Degrees, Certifications & Careers | Paralegal.edu www.paralegaledu.org