Getting to Know the People Working at a Law Firm

Getting to Know the People Working at a Law Firm

by RAINIER POLICARPIO

Legal aid seekers may find it hard to determine whom to talk to regarding their concerns because of the many people who are employed in a law firm, especially the large ones. These frequently happen particularly if the law office lacks an information desk to assist their clients. Hence, this article will try to help you identify those personnel and their jobs for you to know who to approach for your particular case.
In common legal practices, law firms have a certain hierarchal structure. This is to create a smooth flowing relationship among the employees, particularly concerning their task. Here is a typical list of a law firm staff:

1. Law Firm Owners – They are commonly referred to as partners. Usually, the law firm is named after them since they are the most prestigious lawyers in the company. Because of their vast experience and expertise in their field, their service fees are considered the highest.

2. Legal Associates – These individuals are also lawyers. However, they do not share the ownership of the firm. Associates have much lesser experience as compared to partners, but may also be very good in their own specialization. In due time, they may possibly be partners in the firm. Clients may also expect lower charges from them.

3. Contractual Lawyers – If in case the employed lawyers are not enough to handle the upsurge of cases brought by their clients, the law firm may hire contractual lawyers. They serve as supports to the associates and doing they work on a part-time basis. They are being paid based on an hourly rate and mostly getting higher compensation from their other clients outside a firm.

4. “Of Counsels” – Commonly, these lawyers are formerly connected with a law firm who opted to continue his or her relationship with the company after his or her quasi-retirement. Nevertheless, it is up to the owners of the firm to decide regarding their working arrangement.

5. Legal Clerks – Usually, they are law students who are tasked to work on legal researches or to assist the lawyers in setting up their clients’ cases. They also do other jobs that may be assigned to them by the lawyers. This serves as their training ground for their future profession as lawyers.

6. Paralegals – Legally trained individuals but do not have their professional licenses yet. Ordinarily, they are equipped with practical knowledge of the law that may be very useful for the lawyers to whom they work with.

7. Secretaries – Their role is very vital for every lawyer. They help in organizing the schedules, making client calls, and all other tasks that may be appointed to them by the lawyers.

8. Legal Investigators – They are assigned to work in the field, to make an investigation on a certain case handled by the law firm.

9. Administrations Officers – They are in-charge of the internal dealings of the law firm. Depending on their need, law firms may hire a human resource officer, accountant and any other important positions.

10. Receptionists – They are the front-liners of a law firm, assisting the clients about their legal concerns and ensuring them of having a great visit to the office.

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