IMPACT OF LEGAL TECHNOLOGY ON THE ROLE PERFORMANCE OF PARALEGALS IN THE NIGERIA LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

In our contemporary legal system, the use of paralegals in the delivery of legal services is slow but definite. Paralegals are saddled with administrative responsibilities under the supervision of a legal practitioner. Administrative legal tasks such as, legal research, drafting of correspondences, pre and post-trial obligations amongst others are undertaken by paralegals. With the rise of legal technology, paralegals are finding new opportunities to enhance their skills, improve their efficiency and ability to take on more responsibilities, in line with global trends. Thus, this study which is doctrinal, seeks to examine the implication of legal technology on the role performance of paralegals in the legal system. This study reveals that paralegals are integral to the success of law practice. However, the challenges of adapting to new legal technology by paralegals can be daunting, especially in cases of data security, expensive cost of acquiring, using and maintaining legal technology, as well as, training of paralegals to use these technologies. This paper therefore recommends amongst others, the need for adequate training/continuing legal training of paralegal/legal professionals, to fully harness the benefits proffered by legal technology for enhanced productivity.