what does a paralegal working for the state attorney general do?

Located in every division of the office, paralegals perform various duties, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Preparation and processing of various pleadings and filings
• Timely documentation of all activities for files
• Opening, closing, and tracking cases and assignment of cases
• Preparing agreed on findings and judgments (when applicable)
• Creating and updating various automated reports
• Assisting in discovery, attend meetings and conferences
• Communicating with appropriate governmental agencies

Full Answer

What is the role of the Attorney General?

Attorneys general are the top legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and act as the “People’s Lawyer” for the citizens. Most are elected, though a few are appointed by the governor. Select your state to connect to your state attorney general's website.

Does the Attorney General’s office answer private questions?

While the office may answer questions of a general nature, most private issues require a detailed analysis of the law, and such services are outside the scope of the office’s authority. The Attorney General’s Office is not responsible for representing city, county, or other local units of government.

What are the different divisions of the state Attorney General?

These typically include civil, criminal, fraud and family divisions, in addition to the executive office and possibly other divisions depending on the state.

Can a Deputy Attorney General represent a private citizen in court?

State law prohibits the Attorney General, deputy attorneys general, and assistant attorneys general from engaging in the private practice of law. This means that they cannot represent private citizens in court either to bring an action on behalf of an individual, or to defend an individual.

What are 3 duties of a paralegal?

Conduct legal research. Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings. Summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony. Attend executions of wills, real estate closings, depositions, court or administrative hearings and trials with the attorney.

What do paralegals actually do?

Paralegals are legal assistants who provide support to lawyers. Although they don't actually give legal advice or represent clients during trials, they play a huge role in legal proceedings. They can interview clients and witnesses, conduct important research, and prepare court documents.

Do most paralegals work in law firms?

Law Firms / Legal Services In California, about 75% of paralegals work in Legal Services.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a paralegal?

A lawyer is someone who has studied law and has the authority and qualification to practice it whereas a paralegal can work for an attorney but cannot practice law. Paralegals can research cases, file documents and help prepare legal reports for the lawyer they work for.

What are the 5 typical duties of a paralegals?

Within the 5 job duties associated with the position, a paralegal must have a diverse set of skills, experience, and knowledge.Research. ... Case Preparation. ... Document Management. ... Courtroom and Legal Proceedings Assistance. ... Communication and Coordination.

What is the highest paying paralegal job?

Here are the 30 highest paying paralegal jobs:Paralegal Manager. $104,775. ... Legal Project Manager. $87,375. ... Intellectual Property Paralegal. $86,800. ... Nurse Paralegal. $82,687. ... Employment and Labor Law Paralegal. $80,685. ... Government Paralegal. $78,478. ... Senior Paralegal. $69,995. ... Corporate Paralegal. $66,134.More items...

What type of paralegal is most in demand?

11 Types of Paralegals That Are In DemandBankruptcy Paralegal. ... Family Law Paralegal. ... Intellectual Property Paralegal. ... Litigation Paralegal. ... Real Estate Paralegal. ... Immigration Paralegal. ... Personal Injury Paralegal. ... Take the First Step to Becoming a Paralegal in California.More items...•

How fast should a paralegal type?

Administrative and legal assistants also need to be able to type quickly, with employers often looking for applicants who can type around 70 wpm. For the most demanding of positions, applicants may even be required to have a type speed upwards of 100 wpm.

Do paralegals have letters after their name?

If the paralegal does pass, they can use the letters CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) or CP (Certified Paralegal) after their name. The ABA does not issue any designation or letters that you can use after your name.

Do I need a law degree to be a paralegal?

Do you need a Law Degree to become a Paralegal? You do not need a Law Degree to become a paralegal. However, many employers look for legal or paralegal training. There are specialist qualifications for paralegals, developed to give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively as a paralegal.

Is being a paralegal hard?

Stressful and Challenging Work Environment You may answer to several attorneys at once, each with different needs. Clients, too, can be demanding and difficult. The ability to switch gears quickly and to multitask under pressure is critical to your success as a paralegal.

What are the pros and cons of being a paralegal?

Pros and Cons of Being a ParalegalPro: Training. If the legal business calls to you, but years of law school and the bar exam don't, then being a paralegal may be a great alternative. ... Con: Salary. ... Pro: Less Debt. ... Con: Job Stability. ... Pro: More Job Opportunities. ... Pro: Freedom. ... Con: Juggling. ... Con: Time.

What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

A legal assistant, or litigation assistant, may perform administrative duties as well as legal tasks. A paralegal focuses more on legal duties and research to assist lawyers. Both positions require an understanding of legal terminology and procedures.

Is paralegal a stressful job?

Being a paralegal is stressful, and paralegal burnout is real. Paralegals work notoriously long hours, and their tasks include everything from office management to doing case research and preparing and editing legal contracts and documents. Paralegal's tasks have a direct impact on the outcomes of matters and cases.

Is being a paralegal hard?

Stressful and Challenging Work Environment You may answer to several attorneys at once, each with different needs. Clients, too, can be demanding and difficult. The ability to switch gears quickly and to multitask under pressure is critical to your success as a paralegal.

What type of paralegal is most in demand?

11 Types of Paralegals That Are In DemandBankruptcy Paralegal. ... Family Law Paralegal. ... Intellectual Property Paralegal. ... Litigation Paralegal. ... Real Estate Paralegal. ... Immigration Paralegal. ... Personal Injury Paralegal. ... Take the First Step to Becoming a Paralegal in California.More items...•

What is a paralegal specialist?

Paralegal Specialist. A paralegal in the State Attorney’s Office is responsible for performing routine paralegal assignments in support of the attorneys. A successful paralegal knows what needs to be done and does it before being asked.

What are the duties of a legal researcher?

Duties include: Legal research, including compiling, analyzing, and summarizing legal opinions and other legal material. Examining legal instruments or other documents to ensure completeness and accuracy, as well as conformance to applicable laws, rules, precedents and office requirements.

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What does the Attorney General do?

What the Attorney General's Office DOES do: Protects the public by upholding the Consumer Protection Act and enforcing laws against anti-competitive business practices. Proposes legislation to further protect families and children and provide clear, just and enforceable laws.

Is the Attorney General's Office authorized to provide advice to private citizens on personal legal matters?

The Attorney General’s Office is not authorized to provide advice to private citizens on personal legal matters. While the office may answer questions of a general nature, most private issues require a detailed analysis of the law, and such services are outside the scope of the office’s authority.

Is the Attorney General responsible for representing the city?

The Attorney General’s Office is not responsible for representing city, county, or other local units of government.

Can an attorney general represent a private citizen?

This means that they cannot represent private citizens in court either to bring an action on behalf of an individual, or to defend an individual.

What is the job of a state attorney general?

Each state's attorney general is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws, as well as the ability to pass new legislation. The state attorney general also has the higher purpose of protecting the people of the state and their interests. Attorney general duties include providing consumer ...

How many times does the Attorney General meet with the Attorney General?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics.

How often do attorneys general meet?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics. AGs may also serve as officers of this and other legal organizations and on various committees established to accomplish specific goals.

Why do you need a bio for an attorney general?

Or if they are appointed to the job, they need an outstanding bio in order to be noticed for the appointment. The job of state attorney general isn't like jobs in private business, where employees receive performance reviews that may lead to a salary raise.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

Then, prospective lawyers take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and apply to law schools. Finishing law school generally takes three years. Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not.

How long can an AG serve?

Many states set limits on how many years their AG can serve, with the norm being a maximum of eight years. Only Virginia does not set a limit on how long their AG can serve.

How many states have an AG?

Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not. In 43 states, the AG is elected by popular vote. In the other seven states, the AG is appointed by the state government.