Legal assistants work closely together with lawyers and legal representatives in the research and preparation of cases brought to courts. They assist in the paper work of cases and management of the administrative side of court affairs.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Documenting court proceedings and judgements;
(b) Serving statements of claims, summonses, warrants, subpoenas and other court orders;
(c) Maintaining order in court and hearing rooms;
(d) Preparing legal documents including trial briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills and contracts and preparing, papers summarizing legal positions or setting out conditions of loans or insurance;
(e) Investigating facts, assembling evidence and researching relevant statutes, decisions and other legal documents to prepare cases;
(f) Advising clients on legal matters;
(g) Examining documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgements, easements, contracts and maps in order to verify properties’ legal descriptions and ownership;
(h) Preparing documents relating to transfer of real estate, stocks or other matters requiring formal registration;
(i) Investigating possible cases of theft of goods, money or information from business establishments and of other possible cases of unlawful behaviour by customers or employees;
(j) Investigating establishments or the circumstances and behaviour of persons on behalf of clients.