What is the difference between a lawyer and a paralegal?

A lawyer and a paralegal are both important members of the legal team, but there are some key differences that make them different roles. A lawyer is an individual who has attended law school and earned a law degree which gives them the authority to represent clients in legal matters. They usually specialize in a specific area of law such as family law, criminal law or civil law. Lawyers are able to advise clients on legal matters, prepare legal documents, represent clients in court and negotiate settlements. A paralegal, on the other hand, is someone who assists lawyers with legal work. They are knowledgeable and experienced in legal matters, but they do not have the authority to represent clients in court. This means they cannot provide legal advice to clients, but they can provide research services, draft legal documents, and assist lawyers in preparing for court hearings or trials. In summary, the key difference between a lawyer and a paralegal is that a lawyer has the authority to represent clients in court and provide legal advice, whereas a paralegal does not have the authority to do so. A paralegal can provide legal research and document preparation services to lawyers. In the state of Maryland, it is important to remember that paralegals must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

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What is the difference between a lawyer and a paralegal?

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