Paralegal services offer a practical solution. By using paralegal services for non-billable tasks to a skilled paralegal, you can free up time, reduce stress, and increase efficiency. Here are a few reasons to hire a legal assistant to help lawyers save hours every week.
Running a solo law firm means wearing many hats. You’re not just practicing law—you’re handling client intake, drafting documents, managing research, and filing paperwork. Every hour spent on these tasks is an hour taken away from billable work, business development, or personal time.
- Drafting Legal Documents
Legal documents are a cornerstone of any law practice, but they take significant time to prepare. Whether it’s contracts, pleadings, discovery requests, or estate planning documents, formatting and reviewing them can slow down your workflow.
How a Paralegal Helps:
- Prepares initial drafts based on templates and attorney instructions
- Formats and proofreads documents for accuracy
- Organizes and files legal paperwork electronically or in person
Estimated Time Saved: 5-10+ hours per week
- Paralegal Services Manage Client Intake and Communication
Client intake and follow-ups are essential but time-consuming. Responding to initial inquiries, gathering necessary information, and scheduling consultations often take up valuable hours in your day.
How a Paralegal Helps:
- Manages intake forms and schedules consultations
- Handles routine client correspondence and follow-ups
- Prepares engagement letters and client agreements
Estimated Time Saved: 3-6 hours per week
- Conducting Legal Research and Trial Preparation
Legal research and case preparation are critical, but not all of it requires an attorney’s attention. Skilled paralegal services can work to gather case law, summarize key findings, and organize case materials, allowing you to focus on strategy.
How a Paralegal Helps:
- Conducts research and prepares case law summaries
- Drafts case briefs, memos, and reports
- Organizes and prepares exhibits, discovery materials, and deposition summaries
Estimated Time Saved: 5-8 hours per week
- Handling Administrative and Filing Tasks
Many solo attorneys spend hours each week filing documents, preparing invoices, and handling administrative work that could easily be delegated.
How a Paralegal Helps:
- E-files motions, pleadings, and other court documents
- Prepares client invoices and manages billing support
- Organizes case files and maintains compliance records
Estimated Time Saved: 4-6 hours per week
- Completing Court Runs and Clerical Work
Trips to the courthouse to file documents or pick up records can eat into your day. These necessary but low-value tasks take time away from billable work.
How a Paralegal Helps:
- Files motions, pleadings, and discovery requests
- Retrieves court-certified records and legal documents
- Handles mailings and courier services for urgent filings
Estimated Time Saved: 3-5 hours per week