Difference Between a Paralegal - Legal Assistants - Legal Secretary
Clarifying the Legal Field Categories!

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3 Legal Field Terms Explained
"Citing the Comparisons - Clarifying the Confusion" -
and the Winner is...

by Jonathan Arnold, Esq. - Director
and Bob Schott


How many of you reading this are confused at battle between these three titles? Well, you're not alone, this has been, and frequently is, very confusing to many. So let's clear this up. One basic way one might look at these three traditional but common references is that Paralegals and Legal Assistants are classified differently in both the billing process and the capability process. This is done to avoid confusion of Paralegals to Legal Secretaries. Legal Secretaries are usually more limited in function. In short consider Paralegals (Legal Assistants) as leaning more toward detailed law functions and Legal Secretaries leaning more toward the clerical administrative.

The two terms Paralegals and Legal Assistants, at times, actually share the same meaning in court rules, statutes, ethical opinions, bar association guidelines and similar documents. Recently though some attorneys and law groups have started to label or call their Legal Secretaries - 'Legal Assistants' for the purpose of client billing hours, etc. But, that's where it can get a little confusing at times.

In 2006 'Legal Assistant Today' (Paralegal Today) published a survey revealing that 94 percent of its readers preferred the title paralegal to that of legal assistant. The reason, Paralegal designation has a more 'professional' branding than that of 'legal assistant.' Plus it just clears up some of the confusion between such titles by incorporating two separate names for the thing, ie; what's the difference between an 'object' and a 'thing?' Think about that question too long and you'll get a headache.

Another source that helps clear this up comes from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) of 2004 that added the certification category Certified Paralegal (CP) to the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification that it established in 1976.

Now that you've got a little background on this, let's take a closer look at these comparisons so you get a better understanding of the differences. Keep in mind however that in referring to a career at a law firm, the very size of the firm may dictate how the job functions may be utilized. For example, at a small boutique firm, all three titles may be required to perform - 'much of all 3 titled tasks', while at a larger firm the separation of responsibilities will normally be more contrasting in function. Therefore, and a key factor to why the Legal Secretary category is included in the Paralegal courses at LAVC, having the Paralegal and LDA course certifications give you what we call 'Maximum-Impact!'

LEGAL SECRETARY

A Legal Secretary's duties usually consist of administrative duties and taking phone calls from clients or potential clients, then drafting 'pre-action' questions asked of clients into a memo form that is presented to the actual lawyer handling the case. But they normally are not enlisted or entrusted in answering clients questions, compiling legal documents/research directly and certainly not in the form of actual legal advice. This thereby gives the attorney in charge a more inside look into the clients actual needs when the attorney handling the case returns their call or has a meeting with the client to discuss their case. This preparation saves a great deal of time and makes the attorney-client meetings more efficient. Also, a legal secretary's duties involve basically more administrative tasks such as setting court dates, calendar appointments and billing. As stated earlier, a Legal Secretary can be looked at as being more of a 'clerical' title or more of a specialized administrative assistant that can manage office tasks in a law firm.

A Legal Secretary can or may work from either the law office or from home at times. A Legal Assistant works at the firm full time and can be expected to travel depending on the circumstances. A Legal Secretary is expected to have interactive personal and organizational skills and be efficient in writing. A Legal Assistant is expected to have strong research as well as organization skills as well as gook communication, computer and a proven ability to interact with others.

 'Expert Foundation Case'
Jonathan Arnold  - Entertainment Legal Expert
Commission Dispute Entertainment Law 6:47

LEGAL ASSISTANT

A Legal Assistant, often called a Paralegal, may prepare legal documents, contracts and other legal materials for trials under the guidance of a lawyer. In fact, Paralegals often prepare and draft – but don’t sign – pleadings and motions (for attorneys). Much of your work as a Paralegal will require advanced understanding of the law and legal proceedings. You will likely handle the research and 'legal' administrative work for a lawyer who is preparing to go to court.

PARALEGALS

Paralegals, or 'Legal Assistants', as they can be cross referred to at times, are involved more in the preparation of legal documents, contracts and other matters of legal dealings for trials and cases under the guidance of attorneys. In other words, Paralegals/LA's are required/expected to have a more in-depth and advanced understanding of the law and it's legal proceedings involved.

Now, let's stop here for a minute and you'll clearly see why at LFC and LAVC we have combined the Legal Secretary as well as the Legal Assistant title/category 'in' the Paralegal course program. This gives you a far more efficient 'one-stop' process for 'both and clarifies that all important 'Branding!' And, as you see, the reference to Paralegal as requiring a more 'advanced' knowledge of the law, it's proceedings and operations, how this provides a great career benefit to you by boosting your opportunities by acquiring your Maximum-Impact LDA (Legal Document Assistant) bonus course.

With both your Paralegal (Legal Assistant for those of you who hear this term used), acquiring your LDA Certification you now have two big career options, increasing your value to any law firm if that's your interest, or start your own LDP (Legal Document Processing) business. Your 'Advanced' and 'In-Depth' understanding of the law and legal document processing requirements and procedures you acquire in your High-Velocity Paralegal Course here from Legal Field Careers and LAVC give you a decided edge. But, if you feel the more clerical or administrative avenue is more comfortable for you to start, you can also choose that path too if you like. So what does this all add up to and how do these comparisons benefit you in your career choices? Well, it gives you Creative Options and this is what you will find throughout the Legal Field Careers site in the way of Maximum-Impact advanced, unique and creative opportunities that you may not even have considered before. By following through with the Paralegal and LDA courses you will have those options at your disposal.

Also, one simple way to get a general idea what is applicable is to look at various job or program descriptions for these categories. You'll also see examples of how some of these titles may be at times 'misclassified' or listed.

The 'Post-Game' Result?

Probably the most important line to you in this article can best be stated as follows: That although neither are allowed to provide legal advice, the duties and responsibilities share the phrase - 'similarly different'. What does t his mean? A Paralegal or Legal Assistant deal with actual legal documents, typically receives higher compensation and tend to have a position of higher authority as compared to the Legal Secretary which tends to deal with more of the administrative duties. And Now The Score: 1st Place: Paralegal 3 - 2nd Place: Legal Assistant 2 - 3rd Place: Legal Secretary 1.

 - ATTORNEYS PROVIDE ADVICE -
- PARALEGALS/LDA's PROVIDE SERVICES -
"Certified Paralegals and LDA's perform legally qualified services
as authorized and afforded to them by law...
at the SPECIFIC DIRECTION OF THEIR CLIENT!"

Your Summary

When you think of Legal Assistant, think Paralegal Course, when you think of Legal Secretary, think Paralegal Course, and as a Maximum-Impact career decision, when you think of Paralegal Course, think Paralegal/LDA and include YOUR Maximum-Impact Career Boosting Bonus LDA (Legal Document Assistant) course and add an 'extra point' to your 'Branded Paralegal' Score. Now your all set to increase your competitive career choice!

Visit Our Advanced Maximum-Impact Articles

 Advanced Career Boosting Articles likethis one on the differences of a Paralegal, Legal Assistant and Legal Secretary. Including - Human Resources and aPHR
A Career or Your Own Business as a PL or HR

Paralegal Careers in the Entertainment Industry

Get a PL BOOST with a LDA Bonus Course!

FAMILIARITY FOCUSING

A reminder on this important element to your BIO. Your Familiarity Bio should consist of several hand-picked topics of the specific industry you find of interest. You may just want to select 3-4 to start and research the history and some legal cases involving each one and how they were resolved and highlight each one in short synopsis form or even one-liner listings on your separate Familiarity Bio sheet. Also be sure to inlcude a good photo of yourself.

Remember, all of our Articles are meant to get you thinking creatively, and to always reealize one of the most successful tactics in Advertising and Promoting...
'Sell Yourself and You Sell Your Business!'

SHR - Robotic Invasion Insurance
Check out the NEW SHR (Strategic Human Resources) or Creative Career Advancement

 

Also check out another important AI Article, we were one of the first to do this one!

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SUMMARY and IMPORTANT TIPS

This is a topic that bears repeating as the High-Velocity Career Courses you get from LFC and LAVC incorporate our Advanced Articles and Tips unique methods to give you a 'Creative' Boost others don't offer. You are urged to expand your 'Creative' thinking and strategy. Singling out and 'Familiarizing' yourself on a variety of Unique Industry areas you're interested in will give you a Maximum Impact opportunity to secure a solid career in this highly rewarding career potential beyond the Traditional.

Marketing Your Legal Document Processing and Human Resource Business
to the INDIE Entertainment Industry

Get a PL and HR BOOST with a Maximum-Impact LDA and aPHR Bonus Course!

Unique Tip # 1 - August 2019

Paralegal Calendar Dates - Recourse and Liability
by Jonathan Arnold

Q: As a Paralegal working for a law firm you know that one of your main responsibilities is to draft client calendars and ensure accurate dates. But do you know what your/your firm's liabilities and client recourse is should you mis-calendarize causing the firm's client to incur an adverse outcome or financial loss?

A:  Any attorney that uses the services of a paralegal is ultimately liable to the client for any harm that results from the paralegal's negligence or misconduct. Put another way, the duties that an attorney owes to the client are non-delegable, meaning that it is the attorney who bears the brunt for mistakes made within the attorney's office. That being said, no attorney is going to be happy (to put it mildly) with errors -- especially calendaring errors -- made by his or her paralegal(s). The key here is to know not only how to compute dates (ranging from applicable Statute of Limitations dates to any relevant transaction dates) but then TO BEAT THOSE DATES so that things like court filings, discovery responses, revised contracts and the like are not only calendared for completion before they are due, but also sent/filed A FEW DAYS EARLY. How to do this is just one of the important subjects we cover in our Paralegal program.

There are Many Many Industries in which you can apply your Paralegal / LDA and Humanr Resource / aPHR Career in!r>

Paralegal and LDA Career Opportunities in the Agricultural Industry
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Legal Document Processing Services have Potential
Be SURE to Strongly consider this Fast Affordable Bonus Career Boosting Course to your Paralegal Career!



Just remember, be creative and unique and use it to your advantage, as we say here at Legal Field Careers..."Your Maximum Impact Advantage!

Check Out
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UNIQUE CAREER ARTICLES AND TIPS!
Valuable Career Tips to 'XPAND' Your Potentials
Advanced Tips You Won't Find Anywhere Else!

At LFC and LAVC you'll get more than an education, you'll get an Advanced Education! Be sure to check out our
Creative Tips and Articles.

 Market Ylur Paralegal LDA to Unique Businesses
Marketing Your Own LDP Legal Document Processing Biz Familiarity Focusing Maximum-Impact: 6:39

MARKETING YOUR PL/LDA BUSINESS TIPS
Audio Update #2 Tip to the Paralegal LDA Business  Article: Episode 2 -  4:17

Strategic Human Resource Careers in AEROSPACE
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Get a HR BOOST with an aPHR Bonus Course!

Your Bio Reminder

Just as with all of the new and exciting Introductions to unique industry potentials we feature, always highlight a select few topics and categories within each industry that you're interested in, then when it comes down to your PL-LDA bonus for PL, draft your resume incorporating an 'Interest Familarity' one-page supplement to it that others most likely won't, such as examples of some of those we feature in our advanced Maximum-Impact Articles and Tips!

There are a VAST Array of Unique Industries to Select!
Outline a complete list of all your ideas on how you can best serve these industries you find intertesting.
Research each one to see the individualities
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF with Important Aspects

* The Music, Entertainement, Aerospace, Agriculture, Maritime, AI and Robotic Industries Include many interesting and legal service requirement elements to it, so be sure to familiarize yourself with a good basic understanding in areas of application you can benefit from to XPAND Specialized Services you can provide.

Your 'Subject Familiarity' supplement will be your one-page Synopsis form, 'Addendum Addition' to your Bio, and you’ll definitely have an advantage and provide you with a good marketing asset for starting your own Legal Document Processing (LDP) Service for a Rewarding Career in an industry you Enjoy!


Your PL Career and LDA Bonus 'Edge!'

We'll show you everything you need to know about being employed as a Paralegal and our fantastic Maximum Impact LDA Bonus Course, now it's your turn focus on the 'Industry Field' you want to apply it in. You will now have an 'Xtra' Edge', and 'Creative Edges' are one of the main values of our articles we provide here on the THORNHILL Legal Field Careers site for our LAVC students.

Advanced Registration can Advance Your Career. Call Today and get Started!

So what are you waiting for?
Take the Advantage, the LAVC Demographical Advantage and Register in Advance to Secure Your Career for Tomorrow - TODAY!

So remember, thoughts can lead to solutions...but only if you act on them. So do just that and register today!



* ACS WASC collaborates with organizations such as the California Department of Education, the Association of Christian Schools International, the Council of International Schools, and the International Baccalaureate.

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ORNHILL Educational Systems is the Provider of Legal Field Educational Courses for The LegalFieldCareers.com site. The LegalFieldCareers.com web site is a multi media promotional site featuring various legal courses provided for LAVC, Los Angeles Valley College. While the legalfieldcareers.com website is not the official site of LAVC, the programs featured on this site reflect the information about the programs being offered at LAVC.All rights to the information on this web-site are the exclusive rights and property of Skylight Consulting, Inc. No portion of this material may be used or duplicated without the express written permission of an authorized representative of THORNHILL Publishing, LLC. USH ( Universal Student Housing), is a third party service provider listed on the TES (THORNHILL Educational Systems) LFC (LegalFieldCareers.com) website for LAVC (Los Angeles Valley College). The USH listing is intended as a form of Student Resource consideration, not for endorsement purposes. While USH is not affiliated, in legal partnership or otherwise with either LAVC, TES or it's LFC website. TES/LFC and LAVC assume no contractual responsibility or liability in the event of any legal disputes arising from any adverse activity or contractual breaches between either USH, Student and/or Interested Parties regarding the use of this service. By using the TES/LFC website all Students, Visitors and others agree and understand that as with all services and resources appearing on the LegalFieldCareers.com website that students and/or interested parties agree and understand these terms of use and acknowledge that it is their responsibility to perform their own due diligence.This site is being featured as a multi media format version solely designed to assist in the illustration of the courses being offered at various college institutions such as LAVC. Legal Field Careers Video Produced by Global Media Productions, Los Angeles, CA, GlobalVizion-GV is a custom proprietary format of Global Media, all rights Reserved. THORNHILL Logo is the sole copyright and Trademark property of THORNHILL Publishing, LLC. THORNHILL Logo created and designed by Bob Schott, Global Media Productions Exclusively for THORNHILL Publishing LLC. Web design and promotions by Global Media Productions www.globalvizion.tv. Unauthorized use is prohibited and punishable by law.