Paralegals play a vital role in the legal system, and their contributions can be indispensable to the success of a case, especially come trial. Let’s discuss four traits of an indispensable trial paralegal.
There are many traits which may make a paralegal indispensable at trial, however some skills stand out. In the quest to become an accomplished trial paralegal, we aspire to cultivate and uphold specific qualities that prove crucial.
Be organized and efficient.
First, this means being able to keep track of large amounts of information, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Paralegals help attorneys stay organized by creating calendars, tracking deadlines, and managing case files as well as many others tasks.
Be familiar with the law and the case.
The second involves being able to research legal issues at hand, understanding the facts of the case, and anticipating potential problems. Paralegals help attorneys prepare for trial by researching the law, summarizing the facts of the case, and identifying potential witnesses and exhibits.
Be able to think on your feet.
Third, being able to adapt to changing circumstances and come up with creative solutions is critical come trial. Paralegals help attorneys think on their feet by anticipating questions from the opposing side and developing strategies for responding based on witness testimony.
Be able to work well under pressure.
Finally, we must be able to stay calm and focused even when things are hectic. Paralegals help attorneys stay calm under pressure by providing support and taking on tasks that allow the attorneys to focus on the most important aspects of the trial.
Furthermore, an aspiring indispensable trial paralegal should also be:
A good Communicator
A proficient communicator, adept at articulating complex legal concepts to attorneys and laypersons alike. Paralegals help attorneys communicate effectively with jurors by drafting opening statements, closing arguments, and jury instructions.
A Team Player
A collaborative team player, effectively contributing to shared objectives. Paralegals, an integral component of the team, actively share insights, coordinate tasks, and provide constructive feedback.
A Professional
Exemplifying professionalism, characterized by reliability, trustworthiness, ethics, and discretion. Professional demeanor is evident through appropriate attire, punctuality, court and juror respect, and the utmost preservation of confidentiality.
Possessing these attributes, paralegals assume pivotal roles in trial team success. In the course of developing these skills, there are impactful tasks that significantly shape the trial team’s achievements. Some of these tasks include:
- Organize and prepare evidence. Make sure sure that exhibits are properly labeled, numbered, and organized, and that they are ready to be presented to the jury.
- Legal research. This includes researching legal issues, diving into case law, statutes, and legal sources to arm attorneys with an all-encompassing trial strategy.
- Draft documents. This includes drafting motions, briefs, and other necessary trial documents.
- Witness prep. Help prepare witnesses, aiding them in honing their testimony, navigating question-answer dynamics, and constructing witness outlines for attorneys.
- Attend trial. This includes observing the proceedings, taking notes, and offering unwavering support to the attorney team.
If you are interested in learning more about how paralegals can be indispensable at trial, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect and see how we can encourage each other to grow. Feel free to leave a comment on this blog post or reach me via email at kelli@klrparalegal.com – let’s embark on this enriching journey together!