They keep a legal practice running efficiently and allow lawyers to give their clients the best representation possible. But, for this relationship to work smoothly, you’ll need to observe some basic etiquette. Keep these tips in mind when working with the paralegals at your first legal job:

1. They need to be kept in the loop.

When clients call for updates on their cases, your paralegal wants to be able to give them information. Keeping the paralegal up to date means that he or she can get your clients the information they need without having to pull you from what you are currently working on.

2. They need to be treated like professionals.

The best piece of advice you can get for dealing with paralegals: they need to be treated with the same level of respect that you expect from your superiors. Be professional, courteous and appreciative of the work that they do.

3. They need some direction.

Paralegals are generally self-motivated, but, they also appreciate some communication about what you want and need. If there are specific tasks you need completed sooner than others, let them know so that they can direct their energies in the most efficient direction possible. If you have a specific direction you want to take on a case, your paralegals need to know so they can provide support.