The success of a law firm depends upon more than the expertise of the attorneys who work there.

Paralegals and other legal professionals are also crucial to the successful practice of law.

Paralegals, whose role in a law firm I will discuss today, are a relatively new phenomenon in Bermuda.

Their role converges with the role of the law pupil, who must complete a one-year 'pupillage' after their law studies in order to qualify to practice law.

During pupillage, pupils refine their writing skills by drafting documents, sit in on meetings to learn how to conduct a meeting, and perform legal research.

Paralegals, on the other hand, perform some of the less technical functions of legal work.

The best definition I have heard about the paralegal's function is "a paralegal does whatever falls off an attorney's desk".

More accurately, the function of a paralegal converges with the role of the law pupil, with the exception that the law pupil is given more responsibility because he or she has had formal legal training.

However, due to the critical nature of legal work, paralegals must also have some formal training so that they can provide the level of service required by clients with complex and sensitive problems.

US trained paralegals typically have a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution and/or a paralegal's certificate.

Because few universities in the United States offer four-year programmes that grant degrees in the area, paralegals must rely heavily on the research skills they gained in university and apply them to their new role - or seek a paralegal certificate that will supplement their training.

UK trained paralegals are generally Members or Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILE).

Membership requires the completion of four years of exams, which are normally written while the candidate is working.

Qualification as a Fellow requires five years of legal experience, two of which must be completed after the exams which earned the candidate membership in the ILE.

Additionally, all paralegals are required to have up to date computer skills, which includes knowledge of word processing programmes such as the Microsoft trio of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Paralegals must be able to perform research using Internet based sources such as Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, Butterworth's Direct and Lawtel.

The duties of paralegals differ according to the area of law on which they concentrate.

Paralegals who deal with Company law in Bermuda assist in the incorporation of companies, liaise with official bodies such as the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Registrar of Companies, and draft simple agreements and letters on behalf of clients.

Litigation paralegals draft divorce petitions, draft writs for the Supreme and Magistrates' Courts, assist in debt collections, help clients obtain marriage licenses and even assist with adoptions.

Law firms are fast-paced environments where deadlines must be constantly met, and excellent work must be produced.

Paralegals play a key role by contributing to the efficient functioning of a firm, while at the same time assisting attorneys with their goal of providing top quality legal services to the firm's clients.

Katrina Bailey is a paralegal on the Funds and Investment Services Team at Appleby Spurling & Kempe.

Copies of Ms Bailey's columns can be obtained on the Appleby Spurling & Kempe web site at www.ask.bm.

She wishes to thank pupil Regina Ferguson and paralegal Janine Keeble for their contributions to this column.

This column should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice.

Before proceeding with any matters discussed here, persons are advised to consult with a lawyer.