Who is considered a paralegal?

A paralegal is defined as a person who is qualified to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. This role involves tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, and preparing cases, all of which contribute significantly to a lawyer's practice. Paralegals possess specialized training or education in legal concepts and practices, allowing them to take on important responsibilities within law firms or legal departments.

The other choices do not accurately define a paralegal's role. Individuals providing legal representation typically refer to licensed attorneys, while a lawyer in training would likely be in law school or undergoing a mentorship, rather than performing the substantive legal duties expected of a paralegal. A legal secretary, while essential to a law office, primarily handles administrative tasks rather than substantive legal work, which distinguishes their role from that of a paralegal.