In continuation of "Paralegal" articles, Curt Surls publishes review of work assignments

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. - Dec. 9, 2018 - PRLog -- Employment attorney Curt Surls has published the next article in his four-part series on the paralegal profession. The complete articles will be published on the blog of Mr. Surls at https://curtsurlsblog.blogspot.com/

Paralegals are a key component of an efficient law practice, and their role continues to expand. In fact, the job outlook (unlike for many other professions) is quite bright. Paralegals must undergo specific education, training and/or work experience and are utilized by many different employers, including individual practitioners, law firms, corporations and various government agencies. Different certifications and credentials are available to classify the Paralegal experience. In the traditional law firm setting, the Paralegal's time is primarily spent on substantive legal work which is billed to clients at market rates, similar to other professional staff, but at a significantly lower rate than would be charged had an Attorney been solely utilized to handle such work, as was standard in the past. This hourly billing option distinguishes Paralegals from other non-lawyer staff members. However, many legal or quasi-legal organizations do not specifically bill for Paralegal time, such as Real Estate Title Firms, Immigration Law Firms, or Bankruptcy practices. Thus, in many organizations, time spent on administrative or clerical functions is not billable to the client's case.

Only licensed attorneys may give "legal advice" to clients, and ethical rules in all U.S. States are uniform in that Paralegals are strictly prohibited from doing so. Paralegals also are prohibited from directly accepting a client's case, setting any fees, or representing a client in court (unless specifically authorized by the court, see below). All U.S. States require attorneys to be licensed and most have regulations imposing strict penalties for anyone who engages in the unauthorized practice of law. In fact, there are rules requiring appropriate supervision of Paralegals.

The largest employers of Paralegals within the legal profession are, naturally, law firms. However, businesses, corporations and governmental entities are large Paralegal employers as well. Paralegals are found in every area work of legal practice, ranging from business litigation, bankruptcy law practice, estate planning, personal injury law, immigration, and corporate law. In fact, Paralegals are now common in virtually every legal practice area.

About Curt Surls

Curtis Surls is an attorney in the areas of Employment Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination. Located in Manhattan Beach, California, the Law Office of Curt Surls offers a complete range of employment law services to those living throughout Southern California, including all of Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties. With nearly 30 years of experience focusing almost exclusively on this area of law, attorney Curt Surls and his law firm provide the personalized assistance and effective support his clients need.

Blog: https://curtsurlsblog.blogspot.com/
Attorney Profile: https://solomonlawguild.com/curt-surls%2C-esq