What is a Bankruptcy Paralegal?

A bankruptcy paralegal is a person who assists lawyers, and sometimes trustees, with bankruptcy cases. A person with this title is typically knowledgeable of bankruptcy laws and procedures. He often uses this knowledge to handle some of the work for which lawyers are usually responsible. The tasks a bankruptcy paralegal takes on may vary, depending on the jurisdiction in which he works as well as the needs of his employer. His responsibilities often include helping with client interviews, performing research, collecting documents, and filing required paperwork, however.

Part of a bankruptcy paralegal’s job may be assisting with interviewing new clients. A bankruptcy paralegal is often expected to take notes during the interview, which may help when the time comes to prepare for the case. In fact, some attorneys may allow bankruptcy paralegals to conduct a significant portion of the client interviews on their own. Once an attorney has taken on a case, a bankruptcy paralegal may also serve as a middle man between the attorney and his clients.

An individual who works as a bankruptcy paralegal is often responsible for research and document gathering as well. He may have the job of evaluating credit reports; gathering information about debts and transactions; and learning whether or not a party to a case has assets of which the attorney is unaware. He may also obtain loan documents, copies of agreements, bank statements, bills, and various other documents that are pertinent to a case. He may verify debts and transactions as well.

When the time comes to draft court documents and notifications, a bankruptcy paralegal may perform these tasks as well. He may have the responsibility of not only drafting documents, but also ensuring that parties to the case are properly notified of hearings, deadlines, and court dates. This typically means ensuring that notifications are delivered in a manner that adheres to the jurisdiction's bankruptcy laws. Sometimes a person with this title may also help negotiate payments. When this type of paralegal works for a bankruptcy trustee, he may also help review bankruptcy schedules, ensure that documents comply with bankruptcy laws, and prepare notice for debtors and creditors.

The steps a person has to take to become a bankruptcy paralegal may depend on the preferences of prospective employers. Often, however, aspiring paralegals earn associate’s degree or bachelor’s degrees in preparation for landing this job. Many seek paralegal certification as well.