What Is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a trained legal professional who performs substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Paralegals draft documents, organize case files, conduct legal research, manage discovery, and communicate with clients — but they are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, set fees, or represent clients in court. They are an essential part of how a law office serves clients efficiently.
What Paralegals Do
- Draft pleadings, contracts, and correspondence for attorney review
- Conduct legal and factual research
- Organize documents and assist with discovery and closings
- Maintain client communication under attorney supervision
Paralegals in Florida
Florida does not license paralegals, but the Florida Bar administers a voluntary Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) program with education and experience standards. The defining legal boundary is the unlicensed practice of law: a paralegal's work must be supervised by an attorney who takes responsibility for it, and a paralegal may not independently advise clients or appear in court. Within those limits, paralegals add significant value and help keep legal services affordable.
Related Terms
- Power of Attorney — A document a paralegal may help prepare
- Pleading — Often drafted by a paralegal for attorney review
- Discovery — Frequently managed with paralegal support
Barnes Walker
Barnes Walker's attorneys and paralegals work together to serve clients across Manatee, Sarasota, and the surrounding counties. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC