Job description Legal Researcher in Alberta

Find out what work is like for a legal researcher in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Paralegal and related occupations (NOC 42200).

Paralegals and related occupations

Description

Paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as allowed by government legislation, or provide paralegal services on contract to law firms or other establishments. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property matters. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Justices of the peace are employed by federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial courts. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, trademark development and search firms or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Paralegals and related occupations have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Paralegals
  • Assist lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
  • Assist lawyers in preparation for mediation and judicial dispute resolutions
  • Under the supervision of a lawyer, prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
  • Research records, court files and other legal documents
  • Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.
  • Independent paralegals
  • Represent clients in small claims court and in other lower court proceedings, at tribunals and before administrative bodies
  • Advise clients and take legal action on landlord and tenant matters, traffic violations, name changes and other issues within their jurisdictions.
  • Justices of the peace
  • Issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants, including search warrants
  • Receive affidavits, declarations and affirmations
  • Administer oaths
  • Conduct bail hearings
  • Release defendants on judges' orders and explain rights and obligations
  • Hear evidence at trials on summary conviction offences and may preside over trials of criminal offences at the discretion of the chief judge of the jurisdiction or as provided for in federal, provincial or territorial statutes
  • Perform civil marriages
  • Register wills, probate, bankruptcy, etc.
  • Notaries public
  • Administer oaths and take affidavits and depositions
  • Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents
  • May draft contracts, prepare promissory notes and draw up wills, mortgages and other legal documents
  • May arrange probates and administer the estates of deceased persons.
  • Trademark agents
  • Advise clients on intellectual property matters and represent clients before the Registrar of Trade-Marks on matters including prosecution of applications for registration of trademarks
  • Advise on the registrability of trademarks, trademark licensing requirements, transfer of intellectual property and protection of existing trademark rights
  • Represent clients at proceedings before the Trade Marks Opposition Board and in related proceedings
  • May represent clients internationally in consultation with foreign associates and attorneys.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 42200), and a list of similar occupations:

  • commercial law clerk
  • commissioner of affidavits
  • commissioner of marriages
  • corporate paralegal
  • family law paralegal
  • independent paralegal
  • judicial officer
  • justice of the peace
  • land titles examiner
  • legal researcher
  • notary public
  • paralegal
  • real estate law clerk
  • registrar of bankruptcy
  • title searcher
  • trademark agent

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Paralegals and related occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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