| Aspect | Paralegal Support | Paralegal |
|---|
| Credentials | Certificate or associate degree, on-the-job training | Certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies |
| Work Environment | Assists attorneys, performs administrative and research tasks | Performs substantive legal work, drafts documents, conducts research |
| Employer Usage | Law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies | Law firms, legal departments, courts |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding support roles, entry-level positions | Legal work responsibilities, career advancement |
Paralegal Support roles typically involve assisting attorneys with administrative and research tasks, often requiring minimal formal education. Paralegals perform more substantive legal work, including drafting documents and conducting legal research, usually with formal paralegal credentials. Both roles are common in law firms and legal departments, but paralegals generally have more advanced responsibilities and qualifications.