What is an attorney assistant called—and why do people use so many different terms to describe the same role?
If you’ve been trying to figure out who really supports your legal practice behind the scenes, you’re not alone.
The legal world often tosses around titles like attorney assistant, legal assistant, and paralegal, leaving many attorneys wondering who does what—and which support role they actually need.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Whether you’re managing a packed caseload, juggling court deadlines, or building out your small firm’s team.
Understanding the true responsibilities of a paralegal can help you get the help you need—without burning out or overpaying for support.
What Is An Attorney Assistant Called In Today’s Legal World?
In most cases, attorney assistant is simply another way of referring to either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
These two roles often overlap, but they aren’t always interchangeable.
Some attorneys use “attorney assistant” as a catch-all phrase for anyone who helps them—from client intake to document prep to case research.
But here’s the key: while the title varies, the responsibilities determine what type of support you’re truly getting.
- A paralegal performs substantive legal work under your supervision. Think research, legal writing, case prep, and document review.
- A legal assistant tends to focus more on clerical or administrative tasks like scheduling, data entry, and organizing paperwork.
Both are valuable. But depending on what your law practice needs, one might be a better long-term fit than the other.
Is A Paralegal The Same As A Legal Assistant?
Not exactly. The “legal assistant vs paralegal” question comes up all the time, especially in smaller firms.
According to the American Bar Association, a paralegal is someone “qualified by education, training or work experience” to perform substantive legal tasks.
These tasks would otherwise be done by a licensed attorney if not delegated.
A legal assistant, on the other hand, often provides support in a more administrative way—like answering phones, typing up dictated memos, or organizing client files.
However, some states and even some firms use the terms paralegal and legal assistant interchangeably.
This can cause confusion. What matters most is the scope of the work, not just the title.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 360,000 paralegals and legal assistants working in the U.S. as of 2023, with job growth projected at 4% through 2032.
What Does A Paralegal Do To Support Your Legal Work?
A good paralegal can completely transform your workflow. They don’t just save you time—they allow you to focus on high-level strategy and billable work while keeping your practice efficient and compliant.
Here’s what a paralegal typically handles:
- Drafting legal documents (motions, discovery, pleadings, contracts)
- Conducting legal research using databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis
- Managing case files and deadlines using tools like Clio or MyCase
- Coordinating with clients for intake, updates, and documentation
- Preparing trial exhibits and summaries
- Assisting in e-discovery and deposition prep
Paralegals are trained to think critically, manage case logistics, and ensure you stay ahead of court deadlines—all under your supervision.
This kind of support is especially valuable if your firm focuses on digital marketing for immigration lawyers, where timely client communication and organized filings can make or break a case.
How Is A Paralegal Different From A Legal Secretary Or Admin Assistant?
It’s easy to confuse these roles if you haven’t hired before. But there’s a big distinction between paralegals, legal secretaries, and administrative assistants.
- A legal secretary handles tasks like formatting documents, taking phone calls, or managing your calendar.
- An admin assistant might help with billing, answering emails, or onboarding clients.
- A paralegal performs actual legal work, like summarizing medical records, drafting contracts, or managing discovery.
So while secretaries and admins keep your office running smoothly, paralegals help move cases forward and directly support your legal arguments.
The difference lies in the legal training and depth of responsibility.
Why Do Job Titles Vary So Much Across The Legal Industry?
In larger firms, job titles tend to be more formal and clearly defined.
But in smaller practices or solo firms, titles can get blurry.
One assistant might wear five hats—from receptionist to junior paralegal—especially if you’re building your team slowly.
The legal industry doesn’t have a universal standard for what defines a paralegal vs. a legal assistant.
Some states have more stringent licensing or registration for paralegals, while others leave it up to the firm’s discretion.
That’s why it’s important to go beyond the job title. Look closely at the person’s training, certifications, and actual day-to-day tasks.
How Do Paralegals Add Real Value To Your Practice?
Hiring a qualified paralegal doesn’t just lighten your load—it can help your entire firm run better and bill smarter. Here’s how:
- Reduce overhead: Paralegals can handle billable tasks at a lower rate than attorneys.
- Speed up case timelines: They help move paperwork, research, and prep forward faster.
- Improve accuracy: Paralegals trained in your area of law help avoid costly errors.
- Enhance client service: They keep communication flowing even when you’re in court.
- Boost profitability: A good paralegal allows you to focus on higher-value legal work.
Whether you’re in litigation, immigration, family law, or estate planning, a dedicated paralegal can become your most trusted long-term asset.
Should You Hire A Paralegal Or A Legal Assistant?
It depends on what you need right now—and where your firm is heading.
You might benefit more from a legal assistant if:
- You’re just starting out and need basic admin help.
- Your practice relies heavily on client scheduling or file organization.
You likely need a paralegal if:
- You’re overwhelmed with research, document drafting, or court prep.
- You want to delegate billable work and increase your revenue.
- Your practice involves complex filings or compliance requirements.
Consider hiring a remote virtual paralegal as a cost-effective long-term solution. It gives you the legal support you need without committing to a full-time salary or benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can A Paralegal Be Called An Attorney Assistant?
Yes. In many firms, “attorney assistant” is used interchangeably with “paralegal.” However, it’s important to confirm the person’s actual responsibilities, as the title alone can be misleading.
2. Does A Paralegal Need A License To Work In The U.S.?
In most states, paralegals aren’t required to hold a license. But many complete accredited programs or certifications through organizations like NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) or NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations).
3. Is It Better To Hire A Legal Assistant Or Paralegal For A Solo Practice?
If your workload includes court filings, legal research, and client prep, a paralegal is the better investment. If you mainly need help with admin tasks, a legal assistant may be more cost-effective.
Conclusion
So—what is an attorney assistant called? The answer depends on context, but most of the time, it’s either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
And while those roles often overlap, they support your legal practice in different ways.
A trained paralegal offers more legal-specific value, helping you manage complex casework, streamline prep, and serve clients more effectively.
If your small firm is growing—or you’re simply overwhelmed—it’s time to bring in long-term support that fits your needs.
A virtual paralegal could be the solution that lets you focus on law, not logistics.
Need help finding the right legal support?
Contact Wyzer Staffing and let’s talk about how a dedicated virtual paralegal can help you scale your legal work without burning out.
