The definition of a paralegal (often called a legal assistant) is an individual who is not an attorney, but performs tasks requiring knowledge of the law.

Paralegals are commonly employed by law offices and work for lawyers. They may also work independently in private practice as freelance paralegals, for the government, or in corporations.

Paralegals often handle the legal paperwork involved with many areas of the law as it is less expensive to allow a paralegal to handle this than an attorney.