Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Paralegal
What paralegals actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Check the docketing calendar and court e-filing notices for new deadlines. From there, the day usually includes conduct legal and factual research, draft pleadings, motions, correspondence and contracts for attorney review, and organize and manage case files and discovery documents. Usually full-time; litigation paralegals may work long hours before trials and filing deadlines.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a paralegal working full time.
- Check the docketing calendar and court e-filing notices for new deadlines.
- Run a conflict check for a potential new client.
- Draft responses to interrogatories for attorney review.
- Bates-number and log 2,000 pages of documents for a discovery production.
- Summarize a deposition transcript and flag key testimony.
- Research a procedural question and prepare a short memo for the attorney.
- E-file a motion and calendar the response deadline.
Where paralegals work
Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and nonprofits. The work is office- and computer-based, with occasional trips to courts or client sites. Some roles are hybrid.
Hours and schedule
Usually full-time; litigation paralegals may work long hours before trials and filing deadlines.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Conduct legal and factual research
- Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence and contracts for attorney review
- Organize and manage case files and discovery documents
- Track deadlines and maintain the case calendar
- Prepare exhibits, trial binders and closing documents
- Communicate with clients, courts and opposing counsel’s staff
- File documents electronically with courts and agencies
Tools you’ll use every day
- Westlaw or Lexis
- Case management software such as Clio
- E-discovery platforms such as Relativity
- Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat
- Court e-filing systems (PACER/CM-ECF)
- Docketing software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Substantive legal work without law school
- Training in two years or less
- Variety of practice areas
- Good pay in larger firms and corporations
What’s hard
- Deadline pressure and occasional long hours
- High stakes for errors
- Can’t give legal advice or sign pleadings
- Some routine document work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like research and writing
- I’m extremely detail-oriented
- I’m interested in law but don’t want law school (yet)
- I can manage deadlines carefully
- I keep information confidential
- I can stay calm under pressure
Not sure? Take the free Paralegal fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect client confidentiality and privileged information
- Avoid giving legal advice: refer questions to attorneys
- Use secure systems for sensitive files
- Double-check deadlines to protect clients