Lesson 18 Paralegal

Bar Association

A professional organization for attorneys and legal professionals, often regulating practice and providing education

Client development

Activities that help attract and retain clients for law practice

Community outreach

Legal professionals engaging with the public to educate, assist, or provide services

Continuing legal education (CLE)

Professional education programs that are often required to maintain and enhance legal knowledge

Corporate counsel

Attorneys working within a company’s legal department instead of a law firm

Freelance paralegal

An independent paralegal who contracts with attorneys instead of working as an employee; they still work under the direct supervision of attorneys and cannot provide legal advice

Headline

A short statement summarizing professional skills or career goals, shown at the top of a LinkedIn profile

Informational interview

A meeting to learn about someone’s career path, not to be confused with a job interview

Mentorship

A professional relationship where an experienced person guides and advises a less-experienced one

Networking building and maintaining professional relationships to support career growth

Peer relationships

Connections with colleagues at a similar level

Personal branding

Creating a consistent, recognizable professional identity and reputation

Pro bono

Legal work performed voluntarily and without charge, usually to help underserved clients

Solicitation

Improperly seeking legal clients, which paralegals are not permitted to do