Legal Definitions - legal assistant

A legal assistant is someone who helps lawyers with their work. There are two types of legal assistants:

1. Paralegal: A paralegal is someone who has special training in the law. They can do many of the same things that a lawyer can do, but they cannot give legal advice or represent clients in court.
2. Legal Secretary: A legal secretary is someone who helps lawyers with administrative tasks, such as typing letters and organizing files.

For example, a paralegal might help a lawyer prepare for a trial by doing research, drafting legal documents, and interviewing witnesses. A legal secretary might answer phone calls, schedule appointments, and file paperwork.

Both paralegals and legal secretaries play important roles in the legal system by helping lawyers do their jobs more efficiently.