Legal Assistants vs. Law Clerks vs. Paralegals: Key Differences Explained

Hi Everyone, it’s Kristy from Clearly Legal.

I wanted to talk with you today about the differences between legal assistants, law clerks, and licensed paralegals. While we are all interchangeable, capable, indispensable rock stars in a legal practice, each role carries its own focus and responsibilities.

Understanding the Differences Between Legal Assistants, Law Clerks, and Paralegals

🔹 Legal Assistants

Legal assistants tend to perform the more administrative duties of a law practice. This includes tasks like:

• Scheduling appointments

• Processing incoming and outgoing mail

• Managing correspondence

• Organizing files and keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly

Their work ensures that lawyers, licensed paralegals and clerks can focus on more technical or client-facing aspects of a case. If appointed by their employer, a legal assistant can commission.

🔹 Law Clerks

Law clerks are generally more involved in the substantive legal process. They handle:

• Drafting legal documents

• Compiling evidence and pleadings

• Assisting with litigation preparation

• Performing in-depth legal research

They often create the backbone of case preparation, ensuring accuracy and organization behind the scenes. If appointed by their employer, a law clerk can commission.

🔹 Paralegals

Licensed paralegals, through their law society numbers, have expanded responsibilities. They can:

• Do all of the drafting, compiling, preparation and legal research

• Act as commissioners of oaths and notary publics

• Represent clients directly

• Appear in court on specific matters

Unlicensed paralegals are very senior and highly capable law clerks who may perform many of the same tasks, minus client representation in court.

Licensed paralegals bearing a law society number that is in good standing are commissioners independently of a law firm. They are not appointed to the role (well, they are, but they are appointed by the law society).

🔹 Why This Matters

While there is overlap between these roles, the distinctions are important. Knowing who does what can help a legal practice assign tasks more efficiently, reduce costs, and make the best use of everyone’s strengths.

I have experience working across all of these capacities—administrative, drafting, litigation support, and beyond. For me, the two things I do not do are represent clients directly and provide substantive legal advice (unless I am talking with a lawyer client and helping that lawyer brainstorm). The advantage is clear: with my ability to step into these roles interchangeably, you gain efficiency, cost savings, and peace of mind knowing the job will be done right.

If you are running a busy legal practice, understanding these roles can make a world of difference in efficiency and cost savings. With my ability to step into any of these positions seamlessly—whether administrative, drafting, or litigation support—you’ll gain a reliable professional who ensures your files are handled correctly the first time.

📩 Get in touch today: kristy@clearlylegal.ca, Let’s discuss how I can support your team and help you save both time and money.