Elk & Elk’s paralegals: Without them, we’d just be another bunch of injury lawyers

A: “One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals might investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. If attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of all important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys.

“In addition to this preparatory work, paralegals perform a number of other functions. For example, they help draft contracts, mortgages, and separation agreements. They also may assist in preparing tax returns, establishing trust funds, and planning estates. Some paralegals coordinate the activities of other law office employees and maintain financial office records.” – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A: “A legal assistant/paralegal cannot give legal advice, represent a client in court, set a fee, or accept a case, which functions are generally considered the practice of law. Working under the supervision of an attorney, the legal assistant's work product is merged with and becomes part of the attorney work product.” - National Association of Legal Assistants

A: “There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer bachelor’s and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.” – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A: Perhaps one of our own paralegals can answer that best: “I don’t think it’s just one thing,” said Chris Merkli, paralegal to Elk & Elk medical malpractice attorney Egan Kilbane. “There are a lot of things we do for each individual client – from keeping track of the case status to getting a hold of all their medical bills and records. It’s my job to make sure their cases run smoothly.”

At the end of the day, Merkli said, she’s most satisfied when her clients understand what’s going on with their cases and everything Kilbane needs to bring a case to a successful outcome is in place and ready for the next step – whether it’s a settlement, mediation or a courtroom appearance.