What does a Personal Injury Paralegal do?
Published 3 min read
A personal injury paralegal is a professional who assists lawyers with preparing for and managing personal injury cases. A typical day for a personal injury paralegal may involve researching case law, drafting legal documents, communicating with clients, and coordinating with medical professionals.
Personal Injury Paralegal job duties include:
- Organizing and maintaining files
- Drafting and preparing legal documents
- Conducting research
- Assisting with discovery
- Attending hearings, depositions, and mediations
- Managing schedules and calendars
- Communicating with clients, witnesses, and experts
- Billing and accounting
- Maintaining the attorney’s website and social media presence
Personal Injury Paralegal Job Requirements
A personal injury paralegal typically needs at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies, although a bachelor's degree may be preferred. Certification is not required, but it may give job seekers a competitive edge. Many personal injury firms also require several years of relevant experience.
Personal Injury Paralegal Skills
- Organized
- Good at multitasking
- Able to work well under pressure
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong research skills
- Detail oriented
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Team player
- Self-motivated
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with legal research databases
Related: Top Personal Injury Paralegal Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Personal Injury Paralegal
The first step to becoming a personal injury paralegal is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Many paralegals have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, but it is not required. Once you have completed your education, the next step is to find an apprenticeship or internship with a law firm that specializes in personal injury law. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the field and gain experience working with clients.
Once you have completed your education and training, you will be ready to start working as a personal injury paralegal. Your duties will include assisting lawyers with research, preparing documents, and communicating with clients. You will need to be detail-oriented and organized, and have excellent communication and writing skills.
If you are interested in becoming a personal injury paralegal, there are many resources available to help you get started. The American Bar Association offers information about education and training requirements, as well as job listings. There are also many professional organizations for paralegals, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants and the American Paralegal Association, which offer networking opportunities and continuing education resources.
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