Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

Which of the following is a task commonly performed by a freelance paralegal?

1. Setting legal fees for their services

2. Providing legal representation in family courts

3. Assisting attorneys only

4. Working independently on various legal tasks

The correct answer is: Working independently on various legal tasks

The task commonly performed by a freelance paralegal is working independently on various legal tasks. This role allows freelance paralegals to offer their services to different clients or law firms without being tied to a specific employer. These professionals often have the flexibility to manage their own workloads, take on diverse cases, and apply their legal knowledge in different settings. Freelance paralegals can handle a range of responsibilities, such as conducting research, preparing legal documents, organizing case files, and assisting with trial preparation. This independence is a defining characteristic of their work, distinguishing it from more traditional paralegal roles that might involve direct supervision or collaboration within a specific law firm. In contrast, setting legal fees for their services is a task related more to business operations rather than specific legal duties a paralegal would perform. Providing legal representation in family courts is typically reserved for licensed attorneys, as that involves practicing law rather than paralegal work. Assisting attorneys only suggests a subordinate role, whereas freelance paralegals often take initiative and handle their own projects, reinforcing the concept of independence in their practice.