A paralegal or legal assistant helps a lawyer in tasks such preparing for a case by researching and identifying case-appropriate laws, preparing legal documents and investigating facts in a case. Academic requirements include an associate degree in paralegal studies or a certificate in paralegal studies if you have a bachelor's degree in another field. Certification is not mandatory, though obtaining one gives you leverage over other candidates. Various bodies such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) provide certification.
Solicitors and barristers advocate for their clients and provide them with advice when there is a dispute. The tasks in these two legal positions are the same, as both solicitors and barristers advocate and advise on specific areas of the law. They may also represent their clients in court. Barristers and solicitors give advice to each other and to other legal professionals such as court attorneys. A law degree and practical experience alongside practicing barristers or solicitors is required for this position.
A judicial clerk is in charge of assisting the judge in daily court tasks. These tasks include researching, drafting court opinions, gathering any documents that the judge may need for a case and ensuring that court dockets are well maintained. A degree in law is an essential qualification for this position. People such as paralegals, who have extensive professional experience in legal practice but do not have a law degree, can also qualify for this position.
An attorney or a lawyer is a legal representative of her clients. She also advises and advocates for the client. Lawyers or attorneys interpret the law, draft legal documents such as wills and trusts, engage in legal research, investigate the facts in a case and may also act as a trustee or guardian. Some lawyers specialize in specific legal areas while others do not. A law degree is required to become a lawyer or attorney.