How Attorneys Use Paralegal Services
Texas family law attorneys delegate specific tasks to paralegal services on a project basis. The attorney maintains full supervision and responsibility while accessing specialized paralegal support for defined deliverables.
Project-Based Delegation
Attorneys assign discrete projects rather than delegating entire case management. A project might be drafting a motion to modify conservatorship, preparing discovery requests for a high-asset divorce, or researching specific legal issues. Each project has defined scope, deliverables, and deadlines.
Common Delegation Scenarios
Discovery Projects
Attorneys assign discovery preparation when cases require comprehensive requests for production, interrogatories, or response coordination. The attorney identifies what information is needed and provides strategic direction. The paralegal prepares the discovery documents for attorney review and approval.
Drafting Assignments
Attorneys delegate initial drafts of motions, pleadings, or proposed orders based on case facts and strategic direction. The paralegal creates the document following Texas Family Code requirements and local rules. The attorney reviews the draft, makes necessary adjustments, and approves the final version before filing.
Research Support
Attorneys request targeted legal research on Texas Family Code provisions, case law analysis, or procedural requirements. The paralegal conducts the research and prepares a memo summarizing relevant authorities. The attorney uses this research to develop arguments and strategy.
Workflow Process
The delegation workflow follows a consistent pattern from project assignment through delivery and attorney review.
Step 1: Project Assignment
The attorney identifies work that can be delegated and contacts the paralegal service. The attorney describes the project, provides necessary case information, explains strategic objectives, and establishes the deadline. The paralegal confirms understanding and provides a completion estimate.
Step 2: Information Sharing
The attorney shares relevant case files, pleadings, discovery materials, or other documents needed for the project. This typically occurs through secure file-sharing platforms with password protection. The paralegal accesses only the specific documents needed for the assigned project.
Step 3: Work Execution
The paralegal executes the project according to attorney instruction. During this phase, the paralegal may contact the attorney with questions about case facts, strategic preferences, or clarification on instructions. The attorney remains available to provide guidance as needed.
Step 4: Delivery and Review
The completed work product is delivered to the attorney for review. The attorney evaluates the document for legal sufficiency, strategic alignment, and accuracy. If revisions are needed, the attorney either makes them directly or sends revision instructions to the paralegal.
Step 5: Approval and Use
Once satisfied with the work product, the attorney approves it for filing or use. The attorney signs pleadings, files documents under their name, and maintains responsibility for all work product. The paralegal work becomes part of the attorney's case file.
Attorney Supervision Requirements
Texas attorneys remain fully responsible for all work performed by paralegals, whether in-house or external. This includes reviewing work product before filing, ensuring legal sufficiency, and confirming alignment with case strategy.
Review Obligations
Attorneys must review all paralegal work before it is filed with the court or delivered to clients. The review should confirm that the document is legally sufficient, factually accurate, properly cited, and strategically appropriate. The attorney cannot delegate this review responsibility.
Availability During Projects
Attorneys should be available to answer paralegal questions during project execution. If a paralegal encounters a complex legal issue, discovers missing information, or needs strategic direction, they must bring it to the attorney for decision rather than proceeding independently.
Client Relationship Control
The attorney-client relationship remains between the attorney and client. The external paralegal works for the attorney, not the client. All client communications should occur through or with approval from the attorney. The paralegal does not establish independent client relationships.
Communication and Coordination
Effective delegation requires clear communication channels and defined expectations. Most attorney-paralegal communication occurs via email, with phone calls for more complex discussions or initial project setup.
Project Instructions
Clear initial instructions improve work product quality and reduce revision needs. Effective instructions include the project objective, relevant case facts, strategic considerations, preferred approach or language, and any specific requirements or limitations.
File Access
Attorneys typically use secure cloud storage platforms where the paralegal can access needed documents. Access is limited to files relevant to the specific project. Attorneys remain responsible for protecting client confidentiality when sharing information with external service providers.
Questions and Clarifications
Paralegals should contact the attorney when they need clarification on instructions, encounter issues requiring attorney decision, or identify missing information needed to complete the project. Attorneys should respond to these inquiries promptly to keep projects on schedule.
Confidentiality and Security
Attorneys must ensure that external paralegal services maintain appropriate confidentiality safeguards. This includes secure file storage, password-protected communications, and compliance with professional confidentiality requirements.
File Sharing Security
Use encrypted file-sharing platforms with password protection. Limit paralegal access to only the documents needed for their specific project. Remove access when the project is complete if using shared folder systems.
Professional Obligations
External paralegal services should maintain professional confidentiality standards equivalent to in-house staff. All client information must be protected and used only for the assigned legal work. The paralegal should not discuss case details with anyone other than the supervising attorney.
When External Support Works Best
External paralegal services work well for attorneys with variable caseloads, those who need specialized expertise for specific project types, or practices that want paralegal support without maintaining full-time staff.
Variable Workload
Solo practitioners and small firms with fluctuating case volumes can access paralegal support when needed without carrying fixed staff costs during slow periods. This allows scaling support up or down based on current demand.
Specialized Projects
Cases that generate periodic high-volume work—such as discovery in high-asset divorces—benefit from having external support available when needed. Attorneys can delegate intensive discovery projects without maintaining capacity for that work year-round.
Testing Paralegal Support
Attorneys considering hiring in-house staff can use external services to determine what volume of paralegal work their practice actually generates before making employment commitments. This allows evaluation of delegation benefits without long-term obligations.