Evolution of Paralegal and its Impact on the Legal Industry

Legal services were costly in the 1960s, due to which low and middle-income Americans were less capable of using legal services. Then, many consumer groups, organized bars, and the government analyzed the way services were being provided and how to lower the costs. At that time, the concept of paralegals came into existence and helped the industry in numerous ways; the first committee on legal assistants was established in 1968.

Today, paralegals can be seen in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, courts, non-profit organizations, etc. They also work for individual lawyers and consultants. Paralegal service provider help lawyers with their core work that consumes a lot of time and effort, and though only lawyers are accountable for their paralegals’ work, paralegals must have professional standards and ethics.

Let’s get further to the infographic below; read it to know how the paralegal evolved as a profession and what impact does it have on the legal industry.