Paralegal job description.
A Paralegal supports attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. They handle administrative and substantive legal tasks that allow attorneys to focus on strategy and client representation, working under attorney supervision at all times.
The Paralegal job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Paralegal Reports to: Attorney or Legal Department Manager
A Paralegal supports attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. They handle administrative and substantive legal tasks that allow attorneys to focus on strategy and client representation, working under attorney supervision at all times.
- Conduct legal research on relevant statutes, regulations, and case law
- Draft and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and filings
- Organise and maintain case files and legal documentation
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Attorney or Legal Department Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Conduct legal research on relevant statutes, regulations, and case law
- Draft and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and filings
- Organise and maintain case files and legal documentation
- Prepare exhibits, summaries, and materials for hearings or trials
- Coordinate scheduling of depositions, meetings, and court filings
- Communicate with clients, courts, and opposing counsel as directed
- Track case deadlines and ensure timely filing of documents
- Assist attorneys with discovery and document review processes
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies, or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of experience supporting attorneys or legal teams
- Strong research, writing, and organisational skills
- Proficiency with legal research and case management software
- Paralegal certification as recognised by the employer or state
- Experience in a specific practice area (e.g. litigation, corporate, real estate)
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Paralegal job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Paralegal job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Attorney or Legal Department Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Can a Paralegal give legal advice to clients?
- No. Paralegals work under attorney supervision and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients independently.
- What education is typically required for a Paralegal role?
- Most employers look for a paralegal certificate or associate's degree, though some hire candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience instead.
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This Paralegal job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.