As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), a Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience, to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, government agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.
Paralegals are proficient in conducting investigations, performing legal research, and preparing pleadings, discovery demands, motions, and briefs without the assistance of an attorney. Courts throughout the United States are cognizant of this and, as a result, fees for paralegal services may now be recoverable in most cases wherever an award of attorney's fees or costs is available.
A paralegal may assist or represent someone before certain government agencies when that agency’s rules specifically allow it. Many administrative bodies permit trained nonlawyers to prepare documents, communicate with the agency, and guide clients through procedural steps, even though only licensed attorneys may appear in court or provide legal advice. For clients, this means you can rely on a qualified paralegal for agency matters that authorize non‑attorney participation, offering accessible support while still protecting your legal rights.
Paralegals in Massachusetts are exempt from private detective licensing under M.G.L. c.147 § 23. This law allows paralegals to gather information, interview witnesses, and assist with case preparation as part of their work for an attorney, law office, or government agency without needing a private investigator license.
Paralegals are proficient in conducting investigations, performing legal research, and preparing pleadings, discovery demands, motions, and briefs without the assistance of an attorney. Courts throughout the United States are cognizant of this and, as a result, fees for paralegal services may now be recoverable in most cases wherever an award of attorney's fees or costs is available.
A paralegal may assist or represent someone before certain government agencies when that agency’s rules specifically allow it. Many administrative bodies permit trained nonlawyers to prepare documents, communicate with the agency, and guide clients through procedural steps, even though only licensed attorneys may appear in court or provide legal advice. For clients, this means you can rely on a qualified paralegal for agency matters that authorize non‑attorney participation, offering accessible support while still protecting your legal rights.
Paralegals in Massachusetts are exempt from private detective licensing under M.G.L. c.147 § 23. This law allows paralegals to gather information, interview witnesses, and assist with case preparation as part of their work for an attorney, law office, or government agency without needing a private investigator license.
In Massachusetts paralegals may even represent people in Small Claims actions pursuant to the Uniform Small Claims Rule 7(e), which states: "non-attorneys shall be allowed to assist parties in the presentation or defense of their cases when, in the judgment of the court, such assistance would facilitate the presentation or defense." Depending on your case, our paralegals may assist you in this capacity.
In conclusion, retaining an independent paralegal is profitable to law firms, furthers public policy and provides quality legal services to the general public at a fair rate. Please note, however, that if you decide to use an independent paralegal, you must remember that we ARE NOT attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice.
In conclusion, retaining an independent paralegal is profitable to law firms, furthers public policy and provides quality legal services to the general public at a fair rate. Please note, however, that if you decide to use an independent paralegal, you must remember that we ARE NOT attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice.
PARALEGAL SERVICES OFFERED:
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: We are not attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot provide or accept fees for legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney. If you need assistance locating an attorney, we can help connect you with one. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as legal advice. Most paralegal services are available only to attorneys or may be performed only under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. Our services are intended for Massachusetts residents.
