paralegal

This term describes a professional role that bridges the gap between administrative support and licensed legal practice. It carries a connotation of specialized technical skill, as the individual performs substantive legal work—such as drafting pleadings or conducting case law research—that would otherwise be handled by an attorney. In a professional hierarchy, the term distinguishes the worker from a legal secretary, who focuses on clerical tasks, and a lawyer, who possesses the license to provide legal advice and represent clients in court.