Paralegals may end up performing a lot of tasks similar to those of an attorney, including interviewing clients, performing investigations and research, drafting legal documents, writing briefs, and preparing pleadings and correspondence. Paralegals may also perform administrative tasks.

Paralegals differ from attorneys, however, in that they cannot give legal advice and cannot sign pleadings or appear in court on behalf of a client. A degree is generally not required to become a paralegal, although many law firms prefer to hire paralegals with degrees. Attorneys may be hired as paralegals for a variety of reasons.