Introduction
Many people think attorneys and paralegals do the same job. While they often work side by side in the same office, their roles are very different. Understanding the difference can help you know who is helping you and what they’re allowed to do.
Both attorneys and paralegals are trained professionals. They support clients, handle legal matters, and work in law offices. But only one of them is allowed to give legal advice and represent clients directly.
Gammill Law believes in transparency. They make sure clients know who they’re working with and what each team member brings to the table.
What Is an Attorney?
An attorney is a licensed legal professional who has passed the bar exam in their state. They have completed law school, received a law degree, and earned the right to practice law.
Attorneys are responsible for giving legal advice, creating legal strategies, and speaking for clients during legal matters. They are also the ones who sign off on official legal documents and are held accountable for the outcome of a case.
Key Responsibilities of an Attorney
- Gives legal advice
- Represents clients in legal matters
- Creates legal strategies
- Files documents with courts
- Handles official legal responsibilities
Attorneys must follow strict rules and continue learning even after they pass the bar. This keeps them up to date with changing laws and legal practices.
What Is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a trained legal assistant who supports attorneys. They have specialized education or training in legal studies but are not licensed to practice law or give legal advice.
Paralegals do important background work like research, organizing files, preparing documents, and keeping track of deadlines. They help attorneys stay efficient by handling the paperwork and details behind the scenes.
Key Responsibilities of a Paralegal
- Organizes and prepares legal documents
- Conducts legal research
- Schedules meetings and deadlines
- Assists attorneys with case prep
- Communicates with clients (without giving legal advice)
Paralegals are a key part of the legal team, but they always work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
What Can’t a Paralegal Do?
There are clear limits to what paralegals are allowed to do. They cannot:
- Give legal advice
- Represent clients
- Sign court documents
- Set legal fees
- Work independently in legal matters
These actions must be handled by a licensed attorney. Paralegals support the process but do not lead it.
Working Together as a Team
In many law offices, attorneys and paralegals work as a team. The attorney focuses on strategy and legal decisions. The paralegal makes sure everything is organized and ready. This teamwork helps cases move smoothly and keeps costs lower for clients.
At firms like Gammill Law, this team approach allows attorneys to give full attention to each client while paralegals manage the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep everything running efficiently.
When Should You Speak With an Attorney?
If you have a legal question, need advice, or are facing an important decision, you should speak directly with an attorney. They are trained to explain your rights, review your options, and help you take the next step.
While paralegals are helpful, they are not allowed to answer legal questions or provide personal guidance. Their role is to support, not lead.
Why the Difference Matters
Knowing who you’re talking to in a legal setting is important. It helps you ask the right questions and understand who is responsible for what. It also protects you from getting advice from someone who isn’t qualified to give it.
Attorneys take full responsibility for legal decisions. Paralegals help make those decisions possible by organizing the information needed to support them.
Gammill Law makes sure clients know the difference and are always connected to the right person for their needs.
Final Thoughts
Attorneys and paralegals work closely together, but their roles are not the same. Attorneys are licensed to practice law, offer advice, and represent clients. Paralegals support attorneys by managing the details that make legal work possible.
Understanding the difference helps you feel more confident, ask better questions, and know exactly who’s helping you and how.
Gammill Law believes in clear roles, honest communication, and giving every client the right support — whether it’s from an attorney, a paralegal, or a complete legal team.
