What is the difference between the terms “Paralegal”, “Legal Assistant”, “Legal Administrative Assistant” and “Legal Secretary”?
Paralegal / Legal Assistant are synonymous. Education for Paralegals / Legal Assistants consist of more substantive legal coursework consistent with the greater paralegal job responsibilities. Legal Administrative Assistant is another newer term for Legal Secretary. Education for Legal Administrative Assistants is generally training for legal secretarial positions. A paralegal’s title (whether Paralegal or Legal Assistant) and work is ultimately subject to the discretion of their employer.