How to Hire the Right Paralegal for Your Law Firm
Getting help for the non-legal, administrative tasks of running your law firm can save time and money and allow you to focus on case work. However, hiring the right paralegal can be a challenge. Paralegals are a valued and important member of the legal team, but they must be properly trained and supervised. Otherwise, your attorney’s billable work could suffer.
If you’re in the market for a new paralegal, start with your network of lawyers and other legal professionals. Ask them to recommend their top paralegals and consider offering a bonus or other incentive for finding the right candidate. Advertise your opening in a local newspaper or website but don’t use an online job board, which may trigger an avalanche of applications from unqualified candidates. Contact paralegal schools for leads and ask whether they have job placement offices. Reach out to your local bar association for a referral, and try calling or emailing paralegal staffing agencies that specialize in legal work.
Make sure you have a clear, well-defined job description for your myparalegal. Include the types of duties that will be performed, as well as salary or hourly pay range and travel requirements. Paralegals may need to travel to courthouses, clients’ homes or businesses and other locations. It’s also helpful to have a list of the specific skills and traits you’re looking for. If you’re hiring for a position that requires writing, ask for a sample of their work. If you’re interviewing candidates, look for someone who has strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as a professional demeanor.
Once you’ve found a qualified applicant, it’s important to train them for the unique demands of your law practice. Paralegals must understand and support the attorney’s work product in communications with clients and the public, but they cannot give legal advice or perform any task reserved solely for attorneys. It’s also important for them to have a clear understanding of the law and its procedures.
Finally, a good paralegal will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. They should be able to manage deadlines and multitask effectively, while still being a dependable, trustworthy, and efficient member of your legal team.
Once you find the perfect paralegal, your law practice will run more smoothly and efficiently. A quality paralegal will help you focus on the client-centered legal work that you’re known for, while freeing up your time so you can continue to provide excellent counsel. So take some time to find the right person. The results will be worth it!
Paralegals, often the unsung heroes of the legal world, provide invaluable assistance in various legal matters. From conducting research and drafting documents to representing clients in specific cases, these professionals offer cost-effective solutions and personalized service. With their expertise, paralegals help navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring access to justice for individuals and businesses alike. Whether it’s small claims court representation, landlord-tenant disputes, or traffic tickets, paralegals play a vital role in delivering efficient and reliable legal support to those in need.