Paralegal vs. Legal Document Assistant: What You Need to Know

Most people tend to confuse a paralegal with a legal document assistant. However, they are two different professions with different roles in the legal system. To better understand the differences between these two professions and the benefits of hiring a legal document assistant, keep reading.

Firstly, let’s define who a paralegal is. A paralegal is a legal professional who has undergone education, training, and certification in law. They work under the supervision of lawyers and carry out tasks such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and organizing files.

On the other hand, a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) is a non-attorney professional that assists individuals with preparing legal documents for legal proceedings. An LDA does not offer legal advice but has experience in completing legal forms and handling legal documents. LDA's are required to register and be bonded with their local County Recorder's Office. Similar to a Notary Public.

One significant advantage of working with a legal document assistant is that it saves you money. The fees charged by an LDA are significantly lower compared to those charged by an attorney. An LDA can assist you with the preparation of legal documents, such as divorce papers, living revocable trusts, wills, civil matters, and business formation documents.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between a paralegal and a legal document assistant can help when searching for legal assistance. It is essential to know that a paralegal works under the supervision of an attorney and provides legal advice while an LDA does not provide legal advice and cannot represent clients in court.