en

Contact Us

Truly global and proudly local, we've been serving Australia for over 25 years with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Get in touch
Jobs

Our industry specialists will listen to your aspirations and share your story with Australia’s most prestigious organisations. Together, let’s write the next chapter of your career.

See all jobs

Exclusive recruitment partners

Explore the opportunities from a range of organisations that exclusively partner with Robert Walters for their hiring needs.

Learn more
Services

Australia's leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources.

Read more
About Robert Walters Australia

G'day! For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Australia

Learn more
Contact Us

Truly global and proudly local, we've been serving Australia for over 25 years with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Get in touch

The role of a paralegal

Paralegals play a vital role in the legal system, and there is a slow but definitive trend toward the increased use of paralegals in the delivery of legal services.

Although not admitted to practice law (except for those who have obtained a law degree), paralegals often perform legal tasks which are also performed by lawyers. Under the supervision of a senior lawyer they can run their own files and conduct work which may have otherwise been undertaken by a junior lawyer.

What do paralegals do

Today, paralegals play an integral role in the delivery of legal services. Depending on the firm or organisation, duties may include:

  • Case planning, development, and management
  • Legal research, fact gathering and information retrieval
  • Drafting correspondence
  • Drafting pleadings, document responses and discoveries
  • Contacting and conferencing with clients
  • Analysing and summarising documents
  • Fact checking
  • Preparing for and assisting at trial
  • Locating and interviewing witnesses

Top skills you need to succeed as a Paralegal

Paralegals must have a solid knowledge of legal terminology and federal and state rules of legal procedure. Excellent organisational skills are a must, as it is likely you will be managing voluminous case files and exhibits.

Excellent communication skills are also crucial, as paralegals interact regularly with clients, experts, vendors, court personnel and of course, lawyers.

Strong research and writing skills are also necessary for drafting pleadings, correspondence and other documents.

Entry into the Paralegal profession

Unlike lawyers, who must complete years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study. Consider vocational legal training such as a Certificate in Paralegal Practice, or volunteer your time to legal cases and projects to gain experience.

Share this article

Useful links

Sign up for job alerts
Salary survey
Career advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View all

The new law career pathway - there is a better way

As a leading legal recruitment organisation, we often get asked about alternative legal careers available to lawyers. It seems that legal professionals are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the long hours, high stress, demanding clients and lack of career progression. They want to know what ot

Read More

How to adjust to a new legal job

One of the most exciting challenges in a professional’s career is starting a new legal job. However, this can also be a stressful and demanding time. Here are some tips on how to survive adjusting to a new legal job and, inevitably, a new boss. Anticipate challenge The first few weeks of a new job a

Read More

8 ways to prepare for a legal job interview

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced lawyer with many successful years behind you, having strong interview skills is essential to making the right move and progress in your career. Take the worry out of your next interview by following these quick and easy tips from our legal in

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.