Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

Which of the following tasks cannot be performed by a paralegal?

1. Attending court hearings

2. Giving legal advice

3. Conducting client interviews

4. Drafting legal documents

The correct answer is: Giving legal advice

A paralegal plays a vital role in the legal field, often working alongside attorneys to assist with various legal tasks. However, one of the key limitations of a paralegal's role is that they cannot provide legal advice. Providing legal advice involves interpreting the law and applying it to specific circumstances, which is a responsibility reserved for licensed attorneys. Paralegals are trained to perform a range of functions, such as attending court hearings, conducting client interviews, and drafting legal documents, all of which are supportive tasks that help attorneys prepare for cases and manage legal processes. While paralegals may have extensive knowledge of legal procedures and terminology, their responsibilities must adhere to ethical guidelines that prevent them from engaging in activities that would constitute the unauthorized practice of law. This careful demarcation of roles helps ensure that clients receive guidance from qualified professionals while allowing paralegals to contribute valuable support within their scope of practice.