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Paralegal vs legal assistant: what's the difference?

Reviewed by the VirtualAssist team · Updated 20 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Paralegals do substantive legal work under an attorney's supervision; legal assistants focus on administrative and client-service tasks. Most growing firms need both.

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What you get

Paralegal

Drafting, research support, case files, discovery and filings under supervision.

Legal assistant

Scheduling, intake, client communication, billing and admin.

Training

Paralegals usually have formal paralegal training or certification.

Remote options

Both roles are commonly done virtually.

Paralegal vs legal assistant

ParalegalLegal assistant
Drafting legal documentsYes, under supervisionTemplates and formatting
Legal researchYesRarely
Client intake and schedulingSometimesYes
Billing and adminSometimesYes
Typical trainingParalegal education or certificateOn-the-job or admin training

Who it's for

  • Firms deciding who to hire next
  • Solo attorneys outgrowing doing it all
  • Firms considering virtual support

How it works

Tell us what you need

Tasks, hours and where your assistant should be based.

Free consultation call

A short call to understand your business and goals.

Get matched

With the right assistant for your work, tools and time zone.

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Tell us a little about your business and the help you need. We'll arrange a short call to understand your work and match you with the right assistant or receptionist. No obligation.

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Where should your assistant be based? *
Which tasks? (optional, pick any)

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Questions

Is a paralegal the same as a legal assistant?

Not quite. The titles overlap in some firms, but paralegals typically do substantive legal work and legal assistants handle admin and client service.

Can paralegals work remotely?

Yes. Virtual paralegals work in the firm's systems under attorney supervision.

Which should a small firm hire first?

Firms drowning in admin usually start with a legal assistant; firms short on drafting and case work start with a paralegal.

Related guides

Virtual paralegalRead →Virtual assistant for law firmsRead →Legal assistantsRead →Legal intake specialistRead →
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