A lawyer has undergone 3 yrs of excruciating law school (after obtaining a bachelors degree) after which they have to study for and pass their state's bar exam to be admitted into the bar and allowed to practice law in that state. Lawyer's are able to give legal advice and represent client's in all types of legal matters (except small claims court). They generally make very good money but work very long hours in a high stress job. They also can be reprimanded by their state bar for any inappropriate conduct.
Paralegals have no formal requirement or license. They can have a specialized degree (certificate program, associates or bachelors) but it is not required. Paralegals are not governed by any organization whereas lawyers are governed by the state bar and american bar association. Paralegals work under direct supervision of an attorney (even paralegals that represent individuals at administrative tribunal proceedings work for a firm where they are under direct supervision of an attorney...don't get confused by the other answers-paralegals cannot solely represent anyone, that would be the unauthorized practice of law). Paralegals perform the legal work that the attorney can't be bothered with (because for attorneys: time = a lot of money). Paralegals generally work cases very closely, have substantial contact with clients, do legal research, prepare legal documents and pleadings, file documents with the appropriate court, and often attend hearings/trials with the attorney.
In a nutshell, to be an attorney it is going to cost someone over 7 years and $100,000+ for just the education requirements. Sure they make a lot of money after a few years of practice but the stress level is so high that it is far from a luxurious job. I feel that being a paralegal is the best of both worlds. You don't have to spend a lot of time or money on an education (I only have my associates in paralegal studies) but you still get the rewarding parts, such as helping people in need and a great salary.
a lawyer has gone to law school and passed the bar exam. a paralegal
is a certificate program. a paralegal can do everything a lawyer does
except defend someone at a trial. they can go to trial with someone
going to administrative court though.
3-4 years of HARD grueling work at a Law school.... then you have to take a Bar exam before your "considered" a lawyer. The Bar exam varies from state to state. Lawyers can represent a client, paralegals do a lot of the work but don't understand the laws
Plegal do the research and paperwork - lawyers take the credit for it all.
a doctor of jurist prudence and the $$ they earn.
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