Paralegal Duties and Skills

A SAMPLING OF PARALEGAL DUTIES AND SKILLS

CORPORATE LAW PARALEGAL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PARTNERSHIPS

Identify and solicit information from client necessary to draft the partnership agreement and related filings with state and county agencies
Develop checklists to be used in client interviews and as guidelines for proper formation and operation of each entity
raft statement of partnership and certificates of limited partnership
Draft agreements for dissolution of partnership and noncompetition agreements for selling partners

INCORPORATION

Check availability of corporate name and reserve name
Draft articles of incorporation, by-laws, organizational minutes, stock certificates for initial subscribers, etc.
Obtain and prepare minute book, corporate seal, stock certificates, stock ledger, etc.
Prepare and file appropriate documents with the Secretary of State, Department of Corporations, Internal Revenue Service and/or the Franchise Tax Board
Identify securities for registration and prepare appropriate forms
Prepare stock certificates, loan documents and other documents required by financial institutions
Prepare and file appropriate documents with any other agencies that regulate corporations and type of business

CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS

Calendar for annual meetings
Prepare minutes of last meeting for shareholders and directors for placement in the minute book
Draft resolutions, waivers, minutes, approvals of action without meeting and related documents
Draft amendment or restatement of articles, articles of merger, dissolution of the corporation, etc.
Prepare and file appropriate documents corresponding to an issuance of new stock or a transfer of stock ownership
Draft corporate resolutions and other documents involved with corporate dividends, stock splits, purchasing shares, liquidations and distributions in general shares
Draft buy-sell agreements, employment agreements, assignments, promissory notes, leases, etc.
Obtain information and file documentation necessary to qualify corporation to transact business in foreign states
Maintain corporate records and details of stock transfers

REQUIRED SKILLS

Familiarity with federal, state, and county forms regarding corporations and partnerships and the filing procedures
Familiarity with the Corporations Code A working knowledge of profit sharing and pension plans, stock options, deferred compensation, incentive compensation plans and insurance programs

LITIGATION LAW PARALEGAL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION

Attend initial meeting with client
Organize and analyze; file and prepare chronologies
Draft, file and serve summons and complaint
Draft, file and serve answer or other responsive pleadings
Conduct or supervise fact investigation (i.e., local interview witnesses, site inspection, locate and pr, material evidence)
Draft correspondence
Maintain calendar

DISCOVERY

Draft discovery documents or prepare responses
Digest and analyze responses to discovery requests
Prepare and serve deposition notices and subpoenas
Arrange for court reporters and/or videotape technicians
Draft deposition questions and outline
Review and assemble documents to be used at deposition
Prepare witnesses and clients for depositions
Take notes at depositions which can include observation of reactions of those present
Digest deposition transcripts
Attend document productions
Review, organize and index documents produced
Respond to interrogatories, document production
demands and requests for admissions
Examine premises, locations and objects and take and/or photographs
Draft motions and stipulations
Arrange for and work with expert witnesses
Perform legal, non-legal and medical research
Check cites and Shepardize
Attend independent medical examinations with clients
Draft legal memoranda and/or briefs
Obtain, review and analyze medical records
Obtain, review and organize damages information; calculate damages and prepare, maintain and update damage summaries
Obtain factual information regarding products, companies and individuals from various governmental agencies, re: facilities, etc.
Develop information retrieval systems using computerized , systems
Work with outside vendors, investigations, etc.
File maintenance

TRIAL

Draft pretrial statements and settlement conference memoranda
Prepare and serve trial subpoenas
Organize and mark trial exhibits
Prepare or supervise preparation of graphs and demonstrative exhibits for use at trial
Prepare trial notebooks
Prepare and coordinate witnesses
Draft lists of documents and testimony to use in impeaching opposition witnesses
Obtain jury lists and biographical information on jurors
Draft jury instructions, motions in limine and voir dire questions
Attend trial to take notes and handle exhibits

POST-TRIAL

Order and summarize trial transcripts for appeal purposes
Draft memorandum of costs or motion to tax costs
Draft notice of appeal
Prepare garnishments, levies, debtor examinations, etc.
Prepare satisfaction of judgment

SETTLEMENT

Prepare settlement calculations
Draft settlement documents, including releases and dismissals
Draft motions and stipulations for settlement

REQUIRED SKILLS

Good organizational skills

Ability to perform legal research and Shepardize
Knowledge of rules of civil procedure and local rules of court
Familiarity with Judicial Council forms and procedures for filing
Knowledge of computerized information retrieval systems and research systems
Ability to understand and analyze legal issues
Ability to write clearly and concisely
Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques

PROBATE/ESTATE PLANNING LAW PARALEGAL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Meet with client and attorney at initial meeting
Review and analyze will and trust provisions
Draft petition for probate and supporting documents
Prepare and maintain a calendar system
Notify heirs, devisees and creditors of probate proceeding
Publish Notice of Petition To Administer
Draft correspondence
Review decedent's records
Assist personal representative and/or client in collecting other death benefits such as insurance and social security benefits
Assist client with collecting Social Security benefits and life insurance proceeds
Draft Spousal Property Petition and Spousal Property Order
Draft Small Estate Declaration/Affidavit and prepare Petition and Order For Succession of Real Property
Arrange for bond or blocked account
Collect information and assets for preparation of inventory and appraisal
Determine titling of assets
Obtain federal tax I.D. number and notify taxing authorities of fiduciary capacity
Evaluate assets (date of death and alternate valuation date)
Draft inventory and appraisal list
Maintain financial records of estate
Prepare and file probate documents in administration of estate or summary administration
Surrender insurance policies and claim forms to appropriate agency
Complete life insurance claims and other death benefit claim forms
Assist probate referee and appraisers with asset valuation
Verify cash and bank balances at date of death
Prepare preliminary tax returns and evaluate cash needs
Obtain tax releases (Form 3571 from Franchise Tax Board)
Prepare income projection
Draft state and federal estate tax returns
Draft decedent's final federal and state individual tax returns
Draft state and federal fiduciary income tax returns
Draft Petitions and Orders for Partial Distribution
Draft accountings for probate and trusts
Assist in audit of tax returns
Draft Petition for Final Distribution and supporting documents
Draft federal gift tax returns, income tax returns (individual and fiduciary)
Review documents and tax returns in connection with an ancillary proceeding
Collect data for estate planning
Draft wills, codicils, trusts and amendments to the trust
Draft trust funding documents
Draft powers of attorney for health care and property management
Draft court documents for conservatorship
Draft court documents for guardianships
Draft accountings for conservatorship/guardianships
Draft federal and state tax returns for conservatorship
Prepare post-mortem allocations

REQUIRED SKILLS

Ability to work with clients in a stressful and sensitive situation
Ability to write clearly and concisely
Knowledge of accounting procedures
Knowledge of Probate Code
Strong organizational skills and proficiency in record keeping
Familiarity with Judicial Council forms and filing procedures
Familiarity with local court probate rules, county recorder's rules and procedures and county assessor's requirements
Familiarity with the preparation of tax returns
Understanding of will and trust provisions
Familiarity with Independent Administration of Estates Act
Knowledge of distribution and closing of estates
Knowledge of computer use and software programs applicable to probate and estate planning

TRANSACTIONAL LAW PARALEGAL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Draft subdivision, condominium and timeshare registrations for in-state and out-of-state registrations
Draft registrations of recreational subdivisions for federal registrations
Organize recording procedures for large-scale recording and prepare draft of opinion letters
Perform financial calculations (i.e., amortization, net present value, discounting, APR, etc.)
Conduct title searches in the recorder's office or order title search and updates
Prepare a preliminary abstract of title and opinion on the title
Negotiate title insurance coverage
Arrange for the purchase of title insurance
Assist clients in obtaining mortgage financing
Prepare mortgage packages for sale to secondary lenders
Assist in recording mortgages
Compile tax receipts
Adjust property tax for closing
Record capital gain or loss in clients' tax returns
Prepare appropriate capital gains tax affidavit
Draft Truth-in-Lending disclosure statements
Draft and review permits and easements
Draft, review and plat legal descriptions
Draft grant, warranty and other deeds
Draft deeds of trust and other loan documentation
Draft leases, assignments, extensions, amendments
Draft contracts, assignments and modifications
Blackline changes in documents as each is revised
Draft and arrange for filing of UCC filings, amendments, extensions and terminations
Prepare closing checklist for acquisition and loan transactions
Draft escrow instructions
Analyze and digest leases, assignments, extensions, amendments and deeds
Review and determine validity of mineral claims through search of BLM records
Check and review zoning, Subdivision Map Act and comprehensive plan designations; obtain letter on designation as closing requirements
Review land surveys, parcel maps and plats
Draft closing statements and arrange closing date
Coordinate closing of escrow with all parties
Order amortization tables
Prepare equalization forms
Arrange for discharge of mortgage
Obtain closing figures from bank, and pro-rate all closing figures
Assist attorney at closing
Notarize documents at closing
Follow up on post-closing items, including preparation of closing index and binder
Coordinate office handling of insurance claims of clients
Calculate real and personal property taxes

REQUIRED SKILLS

Notary license preferred
Ability to read and understand legal descriptions, title reports, leases and contracts
Familiarity with title company forms (i.e. escrow instructions, preliminary title search, CCR's, easements descriptions, liens and recorded judgments, policy of title insurance, trust deeds and grant deeds)
Knowledge of local zoning regulations
Knowledge of local property tax schedules and rules
Familiarity with Subdivision Map Act
Knowledge of basic accounting

Home General Information Definition FAQ Ethics Duties & Skills Fee Recovery Paralegal Programs Certification To New Paralegals Information about CAPA Events and Resources State Bar Section Partners Contact Us	A SAMPLING OF PARALEGAL DUTIES AND SKILLS CORPORATE LAW PARALEGAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PARTNERSHIPS Identify and solicit information from client necessary to draft the partnership agreement and related filings with state and county agencies Develop checklists to be used in client interviews and as guidelines for proper formation and operation of each entity raft statement of partnership and certificates of limited partnership Draft agreements for dissolution of partnership and noncompetition agreements for selling partners INCORPORATION Check availability of corporate name and reserve name Draft articles of incorporation, by-laws, organizational minutes, stock certificates for initial subscribers, etc. Obtain and prepare minute book, corporate seal, stock certificates, stock ledger, etc. Prepare and file appropriate documents with the Secretary of State, Department of Corporations, Internal Revenue Service and/or the Franchise Tax Board Identify securities for registration and prepare appropriate forms Prepare stock certificates, loan documents and other documents required by financial institutions Prepare and file appropriate documents with any other agencies that regulate corporations and type of business CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS Calendar for annual meetings Prepare minutes of last meeting for shareholders and directors for placement in the minute book Draft resolutions, waivers, minutes, approvals of action without meeting and related documents Draft amendment or restatement of articles, articles of merger, dissolution of the corporation, etc. Prepare and file appropriate documents corresponding to an issuance of new stock or a transfer of stock ownership Draft corporate resolutions and other documents involved with corporate dividends, stock splits, purchasing shares, liquidations and distributions in general shares Draft buy-sell agreements, employment agreements, assignments, promissory notes, leases, etc. Obtain information and file documentation necessary to qualify corporation to transact business in foreign states Maintain corporate records and details of stock transfers REQUIRED SKILLS Familiarity with federal, state, and county forms regarding corporations and partnerships and the filing procedures Familiarity with the Corporations Code A working knowledge of profit sharing and pension plans, stock options, deferred compensation, incentive compensation plans and insurance programs BACK TO TOP OF PAGE LITIGATION LAW PARALEGAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION Attend initial meeting with client Organize and analyze; file and prepare chronologies Draft, file and serve summons and complaint Draft, file and serve answer or other responsive pleadings Conduct or supervise fact investigation (i.e., local interview witnesses, site inspection, locate and pr, material evidence) Draft correspondence Maintain calendar DISCOVERY Draft discovery documents or prepare responses Digest and analyze responses to discovery requests Prepare and serve deposition notices and subpoenas Arrange for court reporters and/or videotape technicians Draft deposition questions and outline Review and assemble documents to be used at deposition Prepare witnesses and clients for depositions Take notes at depositions which can include observation of reactions of those present Digest deposition transcripts Attend document productions Review, organize and index documents produced Respond to interrogatories, document production demands and requests for admissions Examine premises, locations and objects and take and/or photographs Draft motions and stipulations Arrange for and work with expert witnesses Perform legal, non-legal and medical research Check cites and Shepardize Attend independent medical examinations with clients Draft legal memoranda and/or briefs Obtain, review and analyze medical records Obtain, review and organize damages information; calculate damages and prepare, maintain and update damage summaries Obtain factual information regarding products, companies and individuals from various governmental agencies, re: facilities, etc. Develop information retrieval systems using computerized , systems Work with outside vendors, investigations, etc. File maintenance TRIAL Draft pretrial statements and settlement conference memoranda Prepare and serve trial subpoenas Organize and mark trial exhibits Prepare or supervise preparation of graphs and demonstrative exhibits for use at trial Prepare trial notebooks Prepare and coordinate witnesses Draft lists of documents and testimony to use in impeaching opposition witnesses Obtain jury lists and biographical information on jurors Draft jury instructions, motions in limine and voir dire questions Attend trial to take notes and handle exhibits POST-TRIAL Order and summarize trial transcripts for appeal purposes Draft memorandum of costs or motion to tax costs Draft notice of appeal Prepare garnishments, levies, debtor examinations, etc. Prepare satisfaction of judgment SETTLEMENT Prepare settlement calculations Draft settlement documents, including releases and dismissals Draft motions and stipulations for settlement REQUIRED SKILLS Good organizational skills Ability to perform legal research and Shepardize Knowledge of rules of civil procedure and local rules of court Familiarity with Judicial Council forms and procedures for filing Knowledge of computerized information retrieval systems and research systems Ability to understand and analyze legal issues Ability to write clearly and concisely Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques BACK TO TOP OF PAGE PROBATE/ESTATE PLANNING LAW PARALEGAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Meet with client and attorney at initial meeting Review and analyze will and trust provisions Draft petition for probate and supporting documents Prepare and maintain a calendar system Notify heirs, devisees and creditors of probate proceeding Publish Notice of Petition To Administer Draft correspondence Review decedent's records Assist personal representative and/or client in collecting other death benefits such as insurance and social security benefits Assist client with collecting Social Security benefits and life insurance proceeds Draft Spousal Property Petition and Spousal Property Order Draft Small Estate Declaration/Affidavit and prepare Petition and Order For Succession of Real Property Arrange for bond or blocked account Collect information and assets for preparation of inventory and appraisal Determine titling of assets Obtain federal tax I.D. number and notify taxing authorities of fiduciary capacity Evaluate assets (date of death and alternate valuation date) Draft inventory and appraisal list Maintain financial records of estate Prepare and file probate documents in administration of estate or summary administration Surrender insurance policies and claim forms to appropriate agency Complete life insurance claims and other death benefit claim forms Assist probate referee and appraisers with asset valuation Verify cash and bank balances at date of death Prepare preliminary tax returns and evaluate cash needs Obtain tax releases (Form 3571 from Franchise Tax Board) Prepare income projection Draft state and federal estate tax returns Draft decedent's final federal and state individual tax returns Draft state and federal fiduciary income tax returns Draft Petitions and Orders for Partial Distribution Draft accountings for probate and trusts Assist in audit of tax returns Draft Petition for Final Distribution and supporting documents Draft federal gift tax returns, income tax returns (individual and fiduciary) Review documents and tax returns in connection with an ancillary proceeding Collect data for estate planning Draft wills, codicils, trusts and amendments to the trust Draft trust funding documents Draft powers of attorney for health care and property management Draft court documents for conservatorship Draft court documents for guardianships Draft accountings for conservatorship/guardianships Draft federal and state tax returns for conservatorship Prepare post-mortem allocations REQUIRED SKILLS Ability to work with clients in a stressful and sensitive situation Ability to write clearly and concisely Knowledge of accounting procedures Knowledge of Probate Code Strong organizational skills and proficiency in record keeping Familiarity with Judicial Council forms and filing procedures Familiarity with local court probate rules, county recorder's rules and procedures and county assessor's requirements Familiarity with the preparation of tax returns Understanding of will and trust provisions Familiarity with Independent Administration of Estates Act Knowledge of distribution and closing of estates Knowledge of computer use and software programs applicable to probate and estate planning BACK TO TOP OF PAGE TRANSACTIONAL LAW PARALEGAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Draft subdivision, condominium and timeshare registrations for in-state and out-of-state registrations Draft registrations of recreational subdivisions for federal registrations Organize recording procedures for large-scale recording and prepare draft of opinion letters Perform financial calculations (i.e., amortization, net present value, discounting, APR, etc.) Conduct title searches in the recorder's office or order title search and updates Prepare a preliminary abstract of title and opinion on the title Negotiate title insurance coverage Arrange for the purchase of title insurance Assist clients in obtaining mortgage financing Prepare mortgage packages for sale to secondary lenders Assist in recording mortgages Compile tax receipts Adjust property tax for closing Record capital gain or loss in clients' tax returns Prepare appropriate capital gains tax affidavit Draft Truth-in-Lending disclosure statements Draft and review permits and easements Draft, review and plat legal descriptions Draft grant, warranty and other deeds Draft deeds of trust and other loan documentation Draft leases, assignments, extensions, amendments Draft contracts, assignments and modifications Blackline changes in documents as each is revised Draft and arrange for filing of UCC filings, amendments, extensions and terminations Prepare closing checklist for acquisition and loan transactions Draft escrow instructions Analyze and digest leases, assignments, extensions, amendments and deeds Review and determine validity of mineral claims through search of BLM records Check and review zoning, Subdivision Map Act and comprehensive plan designations; obtain letter on designation as closing requirements Review land surveys, parcel maps and plats Draft closing statements and arrange closing date Coordinate closing of escrow with all parties Order amortization tables Prepare equalization forms Arrange for discharge of mortgage Obtain closing figures from bank, and pro-rate all closing figures Assist attorney at closing Notarize documents at closing Follow up on post-closing items, including preparation of closing index and binder Coordinate office handling of insurance claims of clients Calculate real and personal property taxes REQUIRED SKILLS Notary license preferred Ability to read and understand legal descriptions, title reports, leases and contracts Familiarity with title company forms (i.e. escrow instructions, preliminary title search, CCR's, easements descriptions, liens and recorded judgments, policy of title insurance, trust deeds and grant deeds) Knowledge of local zoning regulations Knowledge of local property tax schedules and rules Familiarity with Subdivision Map Act Knowledge of basic accounting BACK TO TOP OF PAGE	2010 Calendar Contact Us
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