Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
Instructor Manual
Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696;
Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter......................................................................2
What’s New in This Chapter........................................................................................2
Chapter Objectives........................................................................................................2
Chapter Outline.............................................................................................................3
Section 1-1: What Is a Paralegal?.............................................................................................................. 3
Section 1-2: What Do Paralegals Do?....................................................................................................... 4
Section 1-3: Paralegal Education............................................................................................................... 5
Section 1-4: Paralegal Skills and Attributes.............................................................................................. 6
Section 1-5: The Future of the Profession................................................................................................. 6
Answer Guide - End of Chapter Questions...................................................................7
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce students to the paralegal profession by examining fundamental
definitions, roles, and career requirements. This chapter explores varying definitions of paralegals across
major legal organizations, describes typical tasks paralegals perform in diverse legal settings, and outlines
educational pathways including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s programs.
Students will learn about certification options through organizations like NALA and NFPA, essential
skills including analytical thinking, communication abilities, and technological competency, and
professional attributes such as confidentiality and organizational excellence. The chapter emphasizes the
expanding opportunities within this dynamic profession and provides practical guidance for career
preparation and professional development in today’s evolving legal landscape.
WHAT’S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
The following elements are improvements in this chapter from the previous edition:
Updated National Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Updated “paralegal” definitions where necessary.
Updated information on paralegal certificates.
Updated names in “Proofreading Legal Documents” hypothetical.
Updated information to be more inclusive of remote work environments.
Added information about the Legal Writing Institute.
Added information about Institutions of Higher Education LibGuides.
Removed information about law blogs given they are not often changed when the law changes.
[return to top]
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
1-1 Compare the varying definitions of paralegal.
1-2 Describe the major tasks paralegals perform.
1-3 Explain the scope of and options for paralegal education and training.
1-4 Describe the key skills and attributes of the professional paralegal.
1-5 Discuss the future of the paralegal profession.
[return to top]
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 2
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
CHAPTER OUTLINE
SECTION 1-1: WHAT IS A PARALEGAL?
Key Concepts
Professional organizations like the ABA, NALA, and NFPA have developed distinct definitions
of paralegals that emphasize substantive legal work performed under attorney supervision, with
recent trends moving away from the term “legal assistant” to distinguish paralegals from clerical
staff.
Modern paralegals perform expanding roles that traditionally were performed by attorneys,
including substantive legal work such as client interviews, legal research, and document drafting,
while maintaining clear boundaries regarding unauthorized practice of law.
Discussion Questions
How do the varying definitions of paralegal from different professional organizations reflect the
evolution and professionalization of the field, and which definition do you think best serves the
interests of both paralegals and the legal profession?
o Sample Response: The ABA’s removal of “legal assistant” from its definition
reflects the profession’s desire to distinguish substantive legal work from clerical tasks.
The NFPA’s emphasis on “substantive legal work requiring knowledge of legal
concepts” best captures the professional nature of modern paralegal practice while
maintaining appropriate attorney oversight.
Given that paralegals now perform many tasks traditionally handled by attorneys, what factors
should determine which legal tasks can appropriately be delegated to paralegals versus those that
must remain attorney-only responsibilities?
o Sample Response: Tasks requiring legal judgment, court appearances, and client
counseling should remain attorney responsibilities, while factual investigation, document
preparation, and research can be appropriately delegated. The key factor is whether the
task requires independent legal decision-making or can be performed under proper
supervision.
Teaching Tips
Address potential confusion students may have about the interchangeable use of “paralegal” and
“legal assistant” in some workplaces. Emphasize that while definitions vary, all require attorney
supervision and prohibit independent legal practice.
Use concrete examples to illustrate the difference between substantive legal work and legal
advice. Address student misconceptions about paralegal autonomy by emphasizing the
requirement for attorney supervision in all definitions.
SECTION 1-2: WHAT DO PARALEGALS DO?
Key Concepts
Paralegals perform diverse substantive legal tasks including client interviews, legal research,
document drafting, case management, and litigation support, with specific duties varying based
on practice area, firm size, and individual expertise.
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 3
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
The ethical prohibition against unauthorized practice of law requires paralegals to clearly
communicate their role to clients and avoid giving legal advice, while still providing valuable
substantive legal support under attorney supervision.
Discussion Questions
Which paralegal tasks do you believe provide the greatest value to clients and law firms, and how
might the increasing use of technology and AI change the nature of these core responsibilities?
o Sample Response: Legal research, document drafting, and client relations provide the
greatest value by reducing costs while maintaining quality. Technology and AI will likely
automate routine tasks, allowing paralegals to focus more on complex analysis, client
interaction, and case strategy support.
How can paralegals effectively balance their expertise and knowledge in specialized legal areas
with the ethical requirement to avoid giving legal advice to clients?
o Sample Response: Paralegals can share factual information and explain procedures
while clearly attributing any legal advice to the supervising attorney. They should
identify themselves as paralegals, explain their role, and direct legal questions to the
attorney while still providing valuable support and information.
Teaching Tips
Help students understand that paralegal duties are not standardized across all workplaces.
Encourage students to consider how their interests and strengths might align with different types
of paralegal work, from litigation support to corporate compliance.
This is a sensitive area where students often struggle with boundaries. Use role-playing exercises
to practice appropriate responses to client questions. Emphasize that expertise doesn’t equal
authority to give legal advice.
SECTION 1-3: PARALEGAL EDUCATION
Key Concepts
Paralegal education programs range from certificate programs to master’s degrees, with options
including community college associate degrees, four-year bachelor’s programs, and postgraduate
certificates, each serving different career goals and student backgrounds.
Professional certification through organizations like NALA and NFPA provides voluntary
credentialing that can enhance career prospects and salary potential, though no state requires
paralegal certification for employment.
Discussion Questions
What factors should prospective paralegals consider when choosing between different types of
educational programs, and how might their choice impact their career trajectory and
opportunities?
o Sample Response: Students should consider their existing education, career timeline,
financial resources, and career goals. A bachelor’s degree may provide more
advancement opportunities, while certificate programs offer faster entry. ABA-approved
programs may enhance credibility with employers.
Should paralegal certification be mandatory rather than voluntary, and what would be the
potential benefits and drawbacks of such a requirement for the profession and the public?
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 4
accessible website, in whole or in part.
Instructor Manual
Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696;
Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter......................................................................2
What’s New in This Chapter........................................................................................2
Chapter Objectives........................................................................................................2
Chapter Outline.............................................................................................................3
Section 1-1: What Is a Paralegal?.............................................................................................................. 3
Section 1-2: What Do Paralegals Do?....................................................................................................... 4
Section 1-3: Paralegal Education............................................................................................................... 5
Section 1-4: Paralegal Skills and Attributes.............................................................................................. 6
Section 1-5: The Future of the Profession................................................................................................. 6
Answer Guide - End of Chapter Questions...................................................................7
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 1
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce students to the paralegal profession by examining fundamental
definitions, roles, and career requirements. This chapter explores varying definitions of paralegals across
major legal organizations, describes typical tasks paralegals perform in diverse legal settings, and outlines
educational pathways including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s programs.
Students will learn about certification options through organizations like NALA and NFPA, essential
skills including analytical thinking, communication abilities, and technological competency, and
professional attributes such as confidentiality and organizational excellence. The chapter emphasizes the
expanding opportunities within this dynamic profession and provides practical guidance for career
preparation and professional development in today’s evolving legal landscape.
WHAT’S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
The following elements are improvements in this chapter from the previous edition:
Updated National Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Updated “paralegal” definitions where necessary.
Updated information on paralegal certificates.
Updated names in “Proofreading Legal Documents” hypothetical.
Updated information to be more inclusive of remote work environments.
Added information about the Legal Writing Institute.
Added information about Institutions of Higher Education LibGuides.
Removed information about law blogs given they are not often changed when the law changes.
[return to top]
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
1-1 Compare the varying definitions of paralegal.
1-2 Describe the major tasks paralegals perform.
1-3 Explain the scope of and options for paralegal education and training.
1-4 Describe the key skills and attributes of the professional paralegal.
1-5 Discuss the future of the paralegal profession.
[return to top]
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 2
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
CHAPTER OUTLINE
SECTION 1-1: WHAT IS A PARALEGAL?
Key Concepts
Professional organizations like the ABA, NALA, and NFPA have developed distinct definitions
of paralegals that emphasize substantive legal work performed under attorney supervision, with
recent trends moving away from the term “legal assistant” to distinguish paralegals from clerical
staff.
Modern paralegals perform expanding roles that traditionally were performed by attorneys,
including substantive legal work such as client interviews, legal research, and document drafting,
while maintaining clear boundaries regarding unauthorized practice of law.
Discussion Questions
How do the varying definitions of paralegal from different professional organizations reflect the
evolution and professionalization of the field, and which definition do you think best serves the
interests of both paralegals and the legal profession?
o Sample Response: The ABA’s removal of “legal assistant” from its definition
reflects the profession’s desire to distinguish substantive legal work from clerical tasks.
The NFPA’s emphasis on “substantive legal work requiring knowledge of legal
concepts” best captures the professional nature of modern paralegal practice while
maintaining appropriate attorney oversight.
Given that paralegals now perform many tasks traditionally handled by attorneys, what factors
should determine which legal tasks can appropriately be delegated to paralegals versus those that
must remain attorney-only responsibilities?
o Sample Response: Tasks requiring legal judgment, court appearances, and client
counseling should remain attorney responsibilities, while factual investigation, document
preparation, and research can be appropriately delegated. The key factor is whether the
task requires independent legal decision-making or can be performed under proper
supervision.
Teaching Tips
Address potential confusion students may have about the interchangeable use of “paralegal” and
“legal assistant” in some workplaces. Emphasize that while definitions vary, all require attorney
supervision and prohibit independent legal practice.
Use concrete examples to illustrate the difference between substantive legal work and legal
advice. Address student misconceptions about paralegal autonomy by emphasizing the
requirement for attorney supervision in all definitions.
SECTION 1-2: WHAT DO PARALEGALS DO?
Key Concepts
Paralegals perform diverse substantive legal tasks including client interviews, legal research,
document drafting, case management, and litigation support, with specific duties varying based
on practice area, firm size, and individual expertise.
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 3
accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Miller, Paralegal Today 9e, ©2027, 9798214131696; Chapter 01: Today’s Professional Paralegal
The ethical prohibition against unauthorized practice of law requires paralegals to clearly
communicate their role to clients and avoid giving legal advice, while still providing valuable
substantive legal support under attorney supervision.
Discussion Questions
Which paralegal tasks do you believe provide the greatest value to clients and law firms, and how
might the increasing use of technology and AI change the nature of these core responsibilities?
o Sample Response: Legal research, document drafting, and client relations provide the
greatest value by reducing costs while maintaining quality. Technology and AI will likely
automate routine tasks, allowing paralegals to focus more on complex analysis, client
interaction, and case strategy support.
How can paralegals effectively balance their expertise and knowledge in specialized legal areas
with the ethical requirement to avoid giving legal advice to clients?
o Sample Response: Paralegals can share factual information and explain procedures
while clearly attributing any legal advice to the supervising attorney. They should
identify themselves as paralegals, explain their role, and direct legal questions to the
attorney while still providing valuable support and information.
Teaching Tips
Help students understand that paralegal duties are not standardized across all workplaces.
Encourage students to consider how their interests and strengths might align with different types
of paralegal work, from litigation support to corporate compliance.
This is a sensitive area where students often struggle with boundaries. Use role-playing exercises
to practice appropriate responses to client questions. Emphasize that expertise doesn’t equal
authority to give legal advice.
SECTION 1-3: PARALEGAL EDUCATION
Key Concepts
Paralegal education programs range from certificate programs to master’s degrees, with options
including community college associate degrees, four-year bachelor’s programs, and postgraduate
certificates, each serving different career goals and student backgrounds.
Professional certification through organizations like NALA and NFPA provides voluntary
credentialing that can enhance career prospects and salary potential, though no state requires
paralegal certification for employment.
Discussion Questions
What factors should prospective paralegals consider when choosing between different types of
educational programs, and how might their choice impact their career trajectory and
opportunities?
o Sample Response: Students should consider their existing education, career timeline,
financial resources, and career goals. A bachelor’s degree may provide more
advancement opportunities, while certificate programs offer faster entry. ABA-approved
programs may enhance credibility with employers.
Should paralegal certification be mandatory rather than voluntary, and what would be the
potential benefits and drawbacks of such a requirement for the profession and the public?
a
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly 4
accessible website, in whole or in part.
