Paralegal job description

A paralegal supports legal teams by conducting research, drafting documents, and managing case files. This role is essential for maintaining legal accuracy, streamlining operations, and ensuring compliance within an organization.

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Kickstart your hiring with our adaptable paralegal job description template. Perfect for job boards or your careers page, this outline helps you clearly define the core responsibilities and desired qualifications. Tailor it to reflect your company’s culture, tools, and project workflows — and attract the right project coordination talent to your team.

Paralegal template

[Company] is a respected [industry] organization with a strong commitment to [mission/goals]. Our legal team plays a key role in supporting ethical business operations, regulatory compliance, and risk management. We foster a collaborative and detail-oriented environment where legal excellence and operational support go hand in hand.

About the role

As a paralegal at [Company], you will work closely with attorneys and other legal professionals to support a variety of legal functions. From preparing legal documents to conducting research and managing filings, you will be an integral part of keeping legal processes efficient and compliant.

Paralegal responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting legal research and summarizing findings for attorneys.
• Drafting contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Organizing and maintaining legal files, records, and databases.
• Assisting with case preparation and document review.
• Coordinating with internal departments and external parties.
• Managing deadlines and court or regulatory filings.
• Supporting compliance and corporate governance tasks as needed.
  
  

Paralegal qualifications

For this role, you will need:

• A paralegal certificate or degree in legal studies, law, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a legal or administrative support role.
• Familiarity with legal terminology, documents, and processes.
• Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and time management abilities.
  
  

Paralegal skills

• Legal research and writing
• Contract drafting and review
• Case management and documentation
• Familiarity with legal databases and filing systems
• Communication and collaboration
• Deadline and task tracking
• Discretion and confidentiality
  
  

Paths to becoming a paralegal

Most paralegals start by completing a paralegal certification or a degree in legal studies. Many gain experience in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Attention to detail, an understanding of legal systems, and administrative capabilities are essential. Specialized certifications (e.g., NALA or NFPA) can further enhance qualifications and career potential.

Typical career progression for a paralegal

Paralegals can often progress to one or several of the following roles:

• Senior paralegal: Manages complex cases and oversees junior team members.
• Legal operations specialist: Focuses on systems and tools that support legal workflows.
• Contract manager: Oversees the drafting and negotiation of company contracts.
• Compliance officer: Ensures adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Legal project manager: Coordinates large legal initiatives across teams.
  
  

Other possible titles for this role

• Legal assistant
• Legal analyst
• Legal coordinator
• Legal operations associate
• Contract administrator