What is the purpose of legal research for a paralegal?

The purpose of legal research is fundamentally to uncover and analyze relevant laws, legal precedents, and principles that can support a particular case. This process is crucial for paralegals as it enables them to identify applicable statutes and previous court decisions that may influence the outcome of the case. By understanding the legal framework and context, paralegals can provide essential support to lawyers in formulating legal strategies and building strong arguments.

While writing legal briefs, gathering evidence, or preparing clients for trials are important tasks in the legal field, they inherently rely on the findings from legal research. Without thorough legal research, a paralegal cannot effectively draft a legal brief, substantiate evidence, or prepare clients in an informed manner. Thus, conducting legal research is a foundational step that underpins these other activities, making it a primary purpose for paralegals in their role within the legal system.