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What does a Legal do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A legal assistant or paralegal is an individual who is trained in the legal field to provide support to lawyers. They are not licensed to practice law, but they can perform many of the same tasks as a lawyer. These tasks include researching cases, writing reports, and preparing for trials.

Legal job duties include:

  • Research and analyze laws and legal articles to assist in formulating opinions or advising clients
  • Draft and file pleadings with the court
  • Manage and oversee discovery process
  • Prepare and deliver oral arguments in court
  • Negotiate settlements on behalf of clients
  • Advise clients on business and legal transactions
  • Represent clients in administrative hearings
  • Select juries, interview witnesses, and present evidence at trial
  • Investigate facts to help in the formulation of legal strategies

Legal Job Requirements

A career in law starts with a bachelor’s degree, although some jobs may require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Many law schools offer three-year programs that allow students to earn a JD. To be admitted to most law schools, you must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

There is no one route to becoming a lawyer. Some lawyers complete a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Laws (LLM), while others may study for a PhD in Law. Many lawyers also undertake professional development courses throughout their careers.

In order to practise law in most jurisdictions, you must be a member of the bar. To become a member of the bar, you must usually complete a period of pupillage or articles of clerkship and pass examinations.

Legal Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Public speaking skills
  • Argumentation skills
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Interpersonal skills

Related: Top Legal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Legal

There are many ways to become a legal professional. The most common way is to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. However, there are other ways to become a lawyer without attending law school. For example, some states allow individuals to take the bar exam without attending law school. Additionally, some states have "apprenticeship" programs that allow individuals to work under the supervision of a licensed attorney for a set period of time before taking the bar exam. Finally, there are a limited number of online programs that allow individuals to earn a JD degree.

Related: Legal Resume Example

Related: Legal Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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