paralegal

American  

[par-uh-lee-guhl] / ˌpær əˈli gəl /

noun

1. an attorney's assistant, not admitted to the practice of law but trained to perform certain legal tasks.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to a paralegal or paralegals.

   a paralegal career.

paralegal British  

/ ˌpærəˈliːɡəl /

noun

1. a person trained to undertake legal work but not qualified as a professional solicitor or barrister

---

adjective

1. of or designating such a person

Etymology

Origin of paralegal

First recorded in 1970–75; para- ¹ + legal

Example Sentences

An ambitious paralegal, Banna said she embraced the role she had in empowering residents to take on companies suspected of polluting their neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the scandal was unearthed, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has created and required additional training for prosecutors, paralegals and investigators.

From Los Angeles Times

Brewer, a paralegal and acquaintance of Buzzard, said in a statement that he visited Buzzard at her home to offer assistance in the search for the missing girl, and that the situation quickly escalated.

From Los Angeles Times

A paralegal who was secretly filmed telling a BBC undercover reporter how he can help businesses avoid fines of up to £60,000 for employing illegal workers, has been sacked.

From BBC

Solis said the lack of funding has also affected the ability to retain service providers, like interpreters, paralegals and investigators.

From Los Angeles Times