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Survey Results

LAMA Legal Assistant Utilization Survey

Report created on: January 13, 2005 		    

    

PART 1
General Information on Legal Assistant/Paralegal Utilization

    
1. ORGANIZATION PROFILE Type of organization for which you are responding:
1
Main Office Only 		2
Branch Office Only 		3
Practice Department Only 		4
Entire Firm or Organization
1. Law Firm 30%
19 		24%
15 		10%
6 		37%
23
2. Government Agency 100%
2 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0
3. Corporation 20%
2 		30%
3 		0%
0 		50%
5

    
2. ORGANIZATION PROFILE How are legal assistants/paralegals assigned within your firm or organization? (Check all that apply.)

To a practice area, working group or department


58
77%
From a general assignment pool
11 15%
To a specific client or matter
14 19%
To a specific attorney or group of attorneys
23 31%
Other, Please Specify
3 4%

    
3. ORGANIZATION PROFILE Please indicate the practice areas in your organization in which legal assistants/paralegals are utilized. (Check all that apply.)

Litigation


70
93%
Labor/Employment
42 56%
Real Estate
44 59%
Corporate
64 85%
Trusts & Estates
34 45%
Environmental
41 55%
Medical Malpractice
17 23%
Insurance Law
31 41%
Bankruptcy
48 64%
Family Law
10 13%
Immigration
17 23%
Intellectual Property
48 64%
Blue Sky/Securities
33 44%
Communications
15 20%
Regulatory Practices
32 43%
International
25 33%
Tax
31 41%
E-Commerce
13 17%
Other, Please Specify
13 17%

    
4. ORGANIZATION PROFILE To whom does the Legal Assistant/Paralegal Manager Report? (Check all that apply.)

Office Manager/Administrator


21
28%
Managing Partner
19 25%
Administrative Partner
6 8%
Attorney in charge of Practice Area
23 31%
Executive Committee
1 1%
Executive/Firm Director/CEO/COO
13 17%
Legal Assistant/Paralegal Committee
5 7%
General Counsel
2 3%
Human Resources Director/Personnel Director
17 23%
Other, Please Specify
15 20%

    
5. ORGANIZATION PROFILE How many attorneys and legal assistants/paralegals are there in the organization for which you are responding?
1
0-20 		2
21-50 		3
51-100 		4
101-200 		5
201-300 		6
301-400 		7
401-500 		8
Over 500
1. Attorneys 8%
6 		12%
9 		17%
13 		28%
21 		11%
8 		8%
6 		7%
5 		9%
7
2. Legal Assistants/Paralegals 36%
27 		28%
21 		23%
17 		8%
6 		4%
3 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0

    
6. MANAGER ROLE How would you best describe your job position with your organization?

Full time legal assistant supervisor/manager


24
32%
Working supervisor/manager
27 36%
Senior legal assistant/case manager with administrative duties
5 7%
Manager with multiple administrative roles within your organization
18 24%
  74 100%

    
7. MANAGER ROLE On what, if any, committees do you serve within your organization? (Check all that apply.)

Management committee


14
19%
Legal Assistant/Paralegal committee
35 48%
Recruiting committee
15 21%
Marketing committee
5 7%
Pro Bono committee
2 3%
Technology committee
13 18%
Litigation Support committee
15 21%
Knowledge Management committee
5 7%
Library committee
5 7%
Training committee
15 21%
None
21 29%
Other, Please Specify
13 18%

    
8. MANAGER ROLE If you are a working manager or senior legal assistant/case manager, what is your annual billable requirement?

N/A


40
56%
None
9 13%
Under 500 hours/year
3 4%
Between 500-1000 hours/year
8 11%
Over 1000 hours/year
11 15%
  71 100%

    
9. BILLING Do the legal assistants/paralegals have a billable requirement? (Please answer for the majority of your staff)

No


19
25%
Yes, but set individually
3 4%
Yes, below 1500 hours/year
8 11%
Yes, 1500-1599 hours/year
16 21%
Yes, 1600-1799 hours/year
27 36%
Yes, 1800-2000 hours/year
2 3%
Yes, above 2000 hours/year
0 0%
  75 100%

    
10. BILLING Please check all statements that apply to your organization.

The billable requirement is expected of all legal assistants/paralegals regardless of their practice area or specialty.


46
70%
The billable requirement varies between specialty areas or practice groups.
16 24%
Bonuses are based at least in part on meeting or exceeding the billable requirement.
32 48%
Billable requirements do not factor into bonuses.
23 35%
Non-billable work is defined by the legal assistant/paralegal.
13 20%
Non-billable work is defined by the billing attorney.
32 48%
Non-billable work is defined by the legal assistant manager.
23 35%
Certain non-billable work can be counted toward the billable requirement.
35 53%
Non-billable work cannot be counted toward the billable requirement.
16 24%
Pro Bono work counts as billable work.
35 53%
Special project work (such as marketing, recruiting, mentoring, etc.) is considered non-billable work and is not counted toward the billable requirement.
32 48%

    
11. BILLING Generally speaking, what percentage of legal assistant/paralegal time is spent on the following:
1
0-10% 		2
11-20% 		3
21-30% 		4
31-40% 		5
41-50% 		6
51-60% 		7
61-70% 		8
71-80% 		9
81-90% 		10
91-100% 		N/A
1. Billable client work 0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0 		3%
2 		11%
8 		31%
22 		36%
26 		14%
10 		4%
3
2. Non-billable legal work such as Pro Bono cases 64%
44 		16%
11 		1%
1 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		19%
13
3. Non-billable administrative work 65%
47 		24%
17 		3%
2 		1%
1 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		6%
4
4. Training and continuing education 79%
57 		14%
10 		1%
1 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		0%
0 		4%
3

    
12. BILLING Can the legal assistant/paralegal delegate non-billable or administrative work to someone else?
1
Always 		2
Usually 		3
Sometimes 		4
Seldom 		5
Never 		N/A
1. To a Secretary or Word Processing Department 14%
10 		34%
24 		36%
25 		4%
3 		1%
1 		10%
7
2. To a Project Assistant 7%
5 		22%
15 		32%
22 		4%
3 		1%
1 		32%
22
3. To a Vendor 3%
2 		10%
7 		43%
29 		10%
7 		9%
6 		24%
16

    
13. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING Does your firm or organization support the following for legal assistant managers or legal assistants/paralegals?
1
Supports and pays costs 		2
Supports but does not pay costs 		3
Does not support 		N/A
1. Membership in LAMA 97%
73 		3%
2 		0%
0 		0%
0
2. Attendance at LAMA Conference 81%
60 		8%
6 		4%
3 		7%
5
3. Membership in paralegal associations 82%
61 		9%
7 		0%
0 		8%
6
4. Attendance at paralegal association conferences 58%
41 		18%
13 		4%
3 		20%
14
5. Membership in ALA 31%
22 		7%
5 		11%
8 		51%
36
6. Attendance at ALA Conference 19%
13 		14%
10 		13%
9 		54%
38
7. Membership in SHRM 13%
9 		9%
6 		13%
9 		65%
45
8. Membership in other professional associations 66%
44 		9%
6 		6%
4 		19%
13
9. Professional seminars, in-house 93%
70 		1%
1 		0%
0 		5%
4
10. Professional seminars, outside 91%
68 		4%
3 		0%
0 		5%
4
11. Committee or officer participation in professional associations 51%
36 		24%
17 		0%
0 		24%
17
12. Participation in CLE events in-house 82%
60 		3%
2 		1%
1 		14%
10
13. Paralegal retreats 33%
23 		4%
3 		19%
13 		44%
31
14. Participation in practice group meetings/luncheons 89%
65 		3%
2 		1%
1 		7%
5
15. Advanced degree or certificate programs 33%
25 		33%
25 		17%
13 		16%
12
16. Law school attendance 14%
10 		37%
27 		22%
16 		27%
20

    
14. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING How do you market your program and staff to attorneys and clients? (Check all that apply.)

One-on-one meetings with new attorneys


53
72%
Orientation seminars on effective use of legal assistants/paralegals
39 53%
Presentations at practice group meetings
36 49%
Attendance at Firm Retreat
10 14%
Written materials provided to new attorneys
39 53%
Written materials on legal assistants/paralegals in attorney recruitment packages
7 9%
Written manual of legal assistant/paralegal tasks performed for each practice group
18 24%
Co-authoring or assisting attorneys with professional articles
13 18%
Direct client contact
37 50%
Participation in client meetings/conference calls
43 58%
Listing of legal assistants/paralegals on client bills
49 66%
Information included in marketing materials/RFPs
28 38%
Legal assistant/paralegal bios available to attorneys and clients
28 38%
Other, Please Specify
2 3%

    
15. EDUCATION What is the minimum educational requirement of YOUR FIRM OR LEGAL DEPARTMENT for legal assistants/paralegals?
1
Required 		2
Not Required, But Credit Given 		3
Not Required, No Credit Given
1. No Minimum Educational Requirement 38%
5 		0%
0 		62%
8
2. Some College 50%
8 		25%
4 		25%
4
3. Two Year Degree 33%
5 		27%
4 		40%
6
4. Two Year Degree plus Paralegal Certificate 31%
5 		38%
6 		31%
5
5. Four Year Degree 79%
50 		16%
10 		5%
3
6. Paralegal Certificate 20%
10 		61%
30 		18%
9
7. Four Year Degree plus Paralegal Certificate 19%
8 		65%
28 		16%
7
8. Graduate Degree 0%
0 		68%
23 		32%
11
9. PACE certification for Specialists 0%
0 		34%
11 		66%
21

    
16. EDUCATION The LAMA position paper on educational requirements states, in part, "LAMA's position is that a baccalaureate degree should be the minimum requirement for employment as a legal assistant... LAMA does not advocate a certificate from a legal assistant educational institution as the sole hiring criterion. However, a certificate, particularly from an ABA approved institution, does strengthen the qualifications of a candidate." PLEASE INDICATE BELOW WHAT YOU FEEL should be the minimum educational requirement PROMOTED BY LAMA.
1
Required 		2
Not Required, But Credit Given 		3
Not Required, No Credit Given
1. No Minimum Educational Requirement 38%
3 		13%
1 		50%
4
2. Some College 43%
3 		43%
3 		14%
1
3. Two Year Degree 33%
2 		50%
3 		17%
1
4. Two Year Degree plus Paralegal Certificate 60%
6 		40%
4 		0%
0
5. Four Year Degree 91%
50 		7%
4 		2%
1
6. Paralegal Certificate 22%
8 		64%
23 		14%
5
7. Four Year Degree plus Paralegal Certificate 34%
12 		66%
23 		0%
0
8. Graduate Degree 0%
0 		79%
15 		21%
4
9. PACE certification for Specialists 0%
0 		67%
14 		33%
7

    
17. TECHNOLOGY What software and online programs are used by your legal assistants in the performance of their duties. Please check the box that most applies for each application. Check N/A if this program is not available in your organization.
1
Used Frequently 		2
Used Moderately 		3
Used Selectively 		4
Seldom Used 		N/A
1. Microsoft Word 95%
71 		4%
3 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0
2. Corel WordPerfect 10%
6 		10%
6 		8%
5 		13%
8 		58%
35
3. Other Word Processing Programs 7%
4 		7%
4 		13%
8 		11%
7 		62%
38
4. Document Management Programs (PC Docs, iManage, etc.) 82%
61 		1%
1 		3%
2 		0%
0 		14%
10
5. Spreadsheets (Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, Quattro Pro, etc.) 55%
41 		32%
24 		11%
8 		3%
2 		0%
0
6. Data Bases (Access, Paradox, dBase III, etc.) 58%
42 		24%
17 		11%
8 		1%
1 		6%
4
7. Litigation Support Programs (Summation, Concordance, JFS Litigators Notebook, CaseMap, etc.) 55%
40 		23%
17 		7%
5 		3%
2 		12%
9
8. Presentation Software (PowerPoint, Corel Presentations) 39%
29 		30%
22 		26%
19 		5%
4 		0%
0
9. LEXIS/NEXIS 53%
39 		22%
16 		14%
10 		4%
3 		8%
6
10. WESTLAW 54%
39 		21%
15 		18%
13 		4%
3 		3%
2
11. Online Docket Programs (ProLaw, Compulaw, etc.) 22%
15 		16%
11 		17%
12 		10%
7 		35%
24
12. Online Corporate Tools (Dunn & Bradstreet, LivEdgar, etc.) 37%
26 		20%
14 		27%
19 		3%
2 		14%
10
13. ASPs (CaseCentral.com, Lextranet, Virtual Partner, etc.) 4%
3 		6%
4 		17%
12 		19%
13 		54%
37
14. Document Assembly Programs 13%
9 		6%
4 		13%
9 		9%
6 		59%
41
15. Billing Applications 46%
33 		6%
4 		6%
4 		7%
5 		36%
26
16. Intellectual Property Docket/Management Programs 36%
26 		11%
8 		13%
9 		6%
4 		35%
25
17. Estates and Trusts Management Programs 15%
10 		12%
8 		10%
7 		6%
4 		57%
39
18. ChoicePoint or other Investigative Programs 9%
6 		15%
10 		12%
8 		10%
7 		54%
36
19. General Internet Research 80%
59 		12%
9 		7%
5 		0%
0 		1%
1
20. EDGAR (SEC) 32%
23 		25%
18 		14%
10 		10%
7 		19%
14
21. PACER (Courts) 48%
35 		25%
18 		16%
12 		0%
0 		11%
8
22. Electronic Court Filings (Federal Courts) 34%
25 		25%
18 		23%
17 		3%
2 		15%
11
23. Trial Preparation Software (Sanction II, Trial Director III, etc.) 12%
8 		17%
12 		22%
15 		16%
11 		33%
23
24. iConect 0%
0 		3%
2 		6%
4 		14%
9 		77%
51

    
18. TRAINING In what areas does your firm or organization conduct training for the legal assistants, and who is PRIMARILY responsible for conducting the training in each of these areas?
1
Legal Assistant Manager 		2
Senior Paralegal 		3
Attorneys 		4
Human Resources 		5
Information Technology Department 		6
Library Staff 		7
Outside Vendor 		N/A
1. Ethics 42%
30 		1%
1 		35%
25 		8%
6 		0%
0 		0%
0 		7%
5 		7%
5
2. Time Management 51%
37 		3%
2 		10%
7 		4%
3 		3%
2 		0%
0 		15%
11 		15%
11
3. Standard Computer Applications 3%
2 		1%
1 		0%
0 		0%
0 		95%
71 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0
4. Specialized Computer Applications 7%
5 		3%
2 		0%
0 		0%
0 		73%
54 		0%
0 		16%
12 		1%
1
5. LEXIS/Westlaw 3%
2 		0%
0 		0%
0 		1%
1 		4%
3 		39%
29 		52%
39 		1%
1
6. Billing Practices 58%
43 		3%
2 		14%
10 		8%
6 		4%
3 		0%
0 		0%
0 		14%
10
7. Practice Area Specific Training 29%
22 		23%
17 		39%
29 		1%
1 		1%
1 		0%
0 		4%
3 		3%
2
8. Cite Checking 16%
12 		24%
18 		3%
2 		0%
0 		1%
1 		19%
14 		22%
16 		15%
11
9. Cross Training in Other Areas 39%
27 		31%
22 		11%
8 		0%
0 		1%
1 		0%
0 		0%
0 		17%
12
10. Supervisory Training 55%
39 		4%
3 		1%
1 		7%
5 		0%
0 		0%
0 		10%
7 		23%
16
11. Research 15%
11 		11%
8 		13%
10 		0%
0 		5%
4 		35%
26 		15%
11 		7%
5
12. Legal/Business Writing 17%
12 		6%
4 		26%
18 		4%
3 		0%
0 		0%
0 		24%
17 		23%
16
13. Litigation Support 18%
13 		14%
10 		4%
3 		1%
1 		34%
25 		0%
0 		12%
9 		16%
12

    
19. ATTORNEY UTILIZATION When attorneys in your organization DO properly utilize legal assistants/paralegals, what are the contributing factors? (Check all that apply.)

There is an organizational history of proper legal assistant/paralegal utilization.


50
68%
Legal assistants/paralegals are included in all attorney functions/meetings.
35 48%
Legal assistants/paralegals are pro-active with their attorneys.
70 96%
The legal assistant/paralegal program in my organization is a strong one.
43 59%
The proper use of legal assistants/paralegals is client driven.
22 30%
Attorneys are given good training and orientation on the use of legal assistants/paralegals.
29 40%
Part of the attorney review process includes their proper utilization of legal assistants/paralegals.
15 21%
Clients reward the organization for proper utilization of legal assistants/paralegals, or otherwise promote their proper utilization.
6 8%
Attorneys are made aware of legal assistant/paralegal billing targets and billing rates.
39 53%
Other, Please Specify
2 3%

    
20. ATTORNEY UTILIZATION When attorneys in your organization may NOT properly utilize legal assistants/paralegals, why not? (Check all that apply.)

Legal assistants/paralegals are not qualified to perform the task.


29
39%
Legal assistants/paralegals are too busy with other assignments.
41 55%
Attorneys are not sure what assignments the legal assistant/paralegal has been given.
38 51%
Attorneys do not know what legal assistants/paralegals can do for them.
50 68%
Attorneys are not comfortable delegating work to legal assistants/paralegals.
32 43%
Attorneys do not understand the value of legal assistants/paralegals.
40 54%
Attorneys do not match up the assignment to the level of experience of the legal assistant/paralegal.
26 35%
Attorneys are delegating legal assistant/paralegal tasks to other attorneys or to law clerks.
47 64%
Attorneys are not aware that legal assistants/paralegals bill time directly to clients.
0 0%
Other, Please Specify
4 5%

    

Part 2
How often do the legal assistants/paralegals in your organization perform the following tasks? Please choose the answer most applicable to the majority of your legal assistants/paralegals who perform work in the areas below. You may skip questions that do not apply to your organization.

    
21. LITIGATION
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Maintain electronic case calendar; organize and maintain case file 68%
49 		18%
13 		7%
5 		7%
5
2. Draft, file, serve complaints/answers 16%
12 		59%
43 		14%
10 		11%
8
3. Prepare for and attend initial and follow-up client meetings 16%
11 		63%
44 		14%
10 		7%
5
4. Discuss case specific needs and use of software program(s) with attorney(s) and client(s) 52%
37 		41%
29 		0%
0 		7%
5
5. Develop information retrieval systems including computerized file maintenance and document control systems 57%
39 		29%
20 		3%
2 		12%
8
6. Conduct automated searches to prepare for depositions, meetings, hearings and trial 74%
52 		19%
13 		0%
0 		7%
5
7. Attend document productions and coordinate organization/computerization of documents 84%
58 		10%
7 		0%
0 		6%
4
8. Gather, review and analyze documents produced 78%
53 		18%
12 		0%
0 		4%
3
9. Assist attorney in reviewing client documents for privilege; draft privilege and redacted logs 77%
53 		16%
11 		3%
2 		4%
3
10. Draft discovery requests and responses 36%
25 		45%
31 		14%
10 		4%
3
11. Summarize and analyze discovery responses 39%
27 		46%
32 		10%
7 		4%
3
12. Gather and organize factual and background information about products, companies and witnesses 59%
40 		37%
25 		0%
0 		4%
3
13. Obtain and review reports from police, fire department and other related public and governmental agencies 41%
28 		34%
23 		9%
6 		16%
11
14. Prepare chronologies of events 69%
47 		24%
16 		3%
2 		4%
3
15. Interview witnesses 22%
15 		36%
24 		33%
22 		9%
6
16. Perform legal research 25%
17 		45%
30 		24%
16 		6%
4
17. Conduct computerized medical, scientific and technical literature research; review and analyze gathered information 34%
23 		38%
26 		13%
9 		15%
10
18. Obtain, review and analyze medical records 37%
25 		25%
17 		9%
6 		28%
19
19. Chart medical and related costs and draft medical authorization release forms 32%
21 		27%
18 		12%
8 		29%
19
20. Prepare for depositions 75%
50 		16%
11 		1%
1 		7%
5
21. Review and analyze deposition transcripts 60%
40 		28%
19 		4%
3 		7%
5
22. Work with expert witnesses 27%
18 		57%
38 		10%
7 		6%
4
23. Draft simple motions 24%
16 		48%
32 		20%
13 		8%
5
24. Schedule and attend independent examinations with clients 17%
11 		39%
26 		27%
18 		17%
11
25. Prepare and organize trial notebooks and demonstrative exhibits 81%
56 		10%
7 		1%
1 		7%
5
26. Prepare and serve trial subpoenas and coordinate witnesses' attendance at trial 51%
35 		32%
22 		10%
7 		6%
4
27. Obtain jury lists and biographical information on potential jurors 23%
15 		42%
28 		21%
14 		14%
9
28. Attend jury selection and record pertinent information during voir dire questioning; prepare chart of information regarding chosen jury 36%
24 		37%
25 		15%
10 		12%
8
29. Coordinate trial logistics 60%
41 		22%
15 		10%
7 		7%
5
30. Identify potential trial exhibits 52%
34 		32%
21 		9%
6 		8%
5
31. Organize, mark and handle exhibits during trial 74%
50 		12%
8 		6%
4 		9%
6
32. Take notes and track developments during trial proceedings 57%
39 		25%
17 		12%
8 		7%
5

    
22. SECURITIES/BLUE SKY (see also CORPORATE)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Manage EDGAR filing process 33%
19 		28%
16 		16%
9 		24%
14
2. Convert documents to EGDAR format 21%
12 		24%
14 		28%
16 		28%
16
3. Review for compliance with EDGAR code and filing requirements 28%
16 		34%
20 		14%
8 		24%
14
4. Preparation of EDGAR submission to conform to SEC procedural requirements 26%
15 		36%
21 		12%
7 		26%
15
5. Prepare and file registration statements and other SEC forms 29%
17 		45%
26 		5%
3 		21%
12
6. Draft Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information 12%
7 		35%
20 		28%
16 		25%
14
7. Post documents to NASD website 13%
7 		18%
10 		36%
20 		34%
19
8. Draft legal opinions of inclusion in SEC filings 7%
4 		20%
11 		45%
25 		29%
16
9. Prepare Form 24f-2 Notice filings, Form N8-A, Form N8-F, Form N1-A filings 11%
6 		19%
10 		34%
18 		36%
19
10. Assist in preparation of proxy statements 27%
15 		39%
22 		13%
7 		21%
12
11. Obtain SEC ID numbers and CUSIP numbers 38%
21 		33%
18 		7%
4 		22%
12
12. Assist at printers to prepare prospectus and related documents 30%
17 		30%
17 		18%
10 		23%
13
13. Prepare compliance calendar 15%
8 		28%
15 		32%
17 		25%
13
14. Draft Form ADV 10%
5 		27%
14 		31%
16 		33%
17
15. Prepare federal and state filings 35%
20 		40%
23 		5%
3 		19%
11
16. Draft Form U-4 for representatives 8%
4 		29%
15 		31%
16 		33%
17
17. Prepare and file forms for Open-End Mutual Funds 9%
5 		17%
9 		36%
19 		38%
20

    
23. CORPORATE (see also SECURITIES/BLUE SKY)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Draft statement of partnership and certificates of limited partnership 44%
28 		38%
24 		6%
4 		11%
7
2. Form business entity and establish the capital structure 57%
37 		28%
18 		6%
4 		9%
6
3. Identify and solicit necessary information from client to draft the partnership agreement and related filings with state and country agencies 45%
29 		37%
24 		6%
4 		12%
8
4. Develop checklists to be used in client interviews and as guidelines for proper formation and operation of each entity 41%
26 		36%
23 		11%
7 		13%
8
5. Draft agreements for dissolution of partnership and non-competition agreements for selling partners 35%
22 		29%
18 		21%
13 		16%
10
6. Prepare and file appropriate documents with the Secretary of State, Department of Corporations, Internal Revenue Service and/or the Franchise Tax Board 71%
46 		15%
10 		5%
3 		9%
6
7. Prepare minute book, corporate seal, stock certificates, stock ledger, etc. 78%
51 		8%
5 		3%
2 		11%
7
8. Obtain information and file documentation necessary to qualify corporation to transact business in foreign states 77%
50 		9%
6 		5%
3 		9%
6
9. Draft, distribute and file resolutions, waivers, minutes, approvals of action without meeting and related documents 63%
41 		18%
12 		8%
5 		11%
7
10. Prepare stock certificates, loan documents and other documents required by financial institutions 52%
32 		26%
16 		10%
6 		13%
8
11. Maintain corporate records and details of stock transfers 69%
43 		13%
8 		6%
4 		11%
7
12. Draft agenda and prepare annual meeting minutes for shareholder and directors and special meetings of stockholders and directors; maintain minute books 50%
32 		28%
18 		11%
7 		11%
7
13. Identify securities for registration and prepare appropriate forms 25%
16 		33%
21 		21%
13 		21%
13
14. Prepare and file appropriate documents corresponding to an issuance of new stock or a transfer of stock ownership 51%
32 		25%
16 		10%
6 		14%
9
15. Prepare and file amendment or restatement of articles, articles of merger, dissolution of the corporation, etc. 63%
40 		23%
15 		3%
2 		11%
7
16. Draft corporate resolutions and other documents involved with corporate dividends, stock splits, purchasing shares, liquidations and distributions in general shares 44%
28 		38%
24 		6%
4 		13%
8
17. Prepare audit letters 51%
32 		16%
10 		16%
10 		17%
11
18. Draft buy-sell agreements, employment agreements, annual reports, assignments, promissory notes, leases ,etc. 25%
16 		41%
26 		21%
13 		13%
8
19. Conduct due diligence review 48%
31 		34%
22 		8%
5 		9%
6
20. Draft and file necessary document including UCC releases, deeds, etc. 56%
36 		23%
15 		6%
4 		14%
9

    
24. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (see also LITIGATION)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Maintain working knowledge of patent, trademark and/or copyright process before the US Patent and Trademark Office and/or Copyright Office 59%
38 		17%
11 		3%
2 		20%
13
2. Prepare drafts of correspondence, status letters, summary reports or other documents for attorney review 54%
34 		22%
14 		5%
3 		19%
12
3. Maintain files relating to domestic and foreign applications and registrations 61%
39 		11%
7 		6%
4 		22%
14
4. Maintain electronic docket for all patent, trademark and/or copyright matters, advise attorneys of due dates and ensure that all deadlines are met. 57%
36 		8%
5 		8%
5 		27%
17
5. Perform trademark searches 47%
29 		27%
17 		2%
1 		24%
15
6. Perform legal research 27%
17 		38%
24 		13%
8 		22%
14
7. Perform prior art searches and/or other patent searches 23%
14 		34%
21 		15%
9 		29%
18
8. Investigate possible infringement of patents, trademarks and/or copyrights 15%
9 		42%
25 		18%
11 		25%
15
9. Assist with domestic and foreign opposition and cancellation matters 32%
20 		32%
20 		10%
6 		27%
17
10. Draft certain official documents to be filed at the Copyright Office (copyright applications, registrations, and title work) 32%
20 		24%
15 		16%
10 		29%
18
11. Act as liaison between attorney and client 38%
24 		33%
21 		8%
5 		22%
14
12. Assist with due diligence searches 29%
18 		38%
24 		10%
6 		24%
15
13. Prepare drafts of agreements for attorney review (e.g., license agreements, consent agreements, agreements regarding proprietary information/technology) 20%
12 		32%
19 		22%
13 		27%
16
14. Assist in the assignment and maintenance of title of trademarks in the US and worldwide 48%
29 		21%
13 		8%
5 		23%
14
15. Conduct on-line computer information searches of technical literature for patents 33%
20 		27%
16 		15%
9 		25%
15
16. Assist in interference, infringement or other related proceedings 28%
16 		37%
21 		9%
5 		26%
15
17. Maintain files of new products and invention development 29%
17 		29%
17 		12%
7 		29%
17
18. Research procedural matters, case law and unfair competition matters 17%
10 		39%
23 		19%
11 		25%
15
19. Prepare Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) 32%
18 		25%
14 		16%
9 		28%
16
20. Proofread technical documents (i.e., specifications) 26%
15 		22%
13 		19%
11 		33%
19
21. Act as liaison between client and attorney 37%
22 		33%
20 		7%
4 		23%
14
22. Prepare patent family trees, claim prosecution histories, maintain current claims 22%
13 		31%
18 		17%
10 		31%
18
23. Order and organize patent file histories in preparation for litigation 27%
16 		32%
19 		12%
7 		30%
18
24. Organize and index prior art notebooks 34%
21 		18%
11 		18%
11 		30%
18
25. Maintain pleadings, correspondence and other related files (including US and foreign interferences) 39%
24 		21%
13 		15%
9 		25%
15

    
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS / ERISA (see also LITIGATION)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Draft Plan amendments 28%
13 		9%
4 		4%
2 		60%
28
2. Monitor progress of implementation of new plans and amendments to verify required actions occur on schedule 25%
12 		8%
4 		6%
3 		60%
29
3. Develop, maintain and update checklists, sets of model plans, administrative documents letters, and control files 29%
14 		4%
2 		6%
3 		60%
29
4. Research administrative and interpretive questions on prohibited transactions and qualified and non qualified plans 12%
6 		14%
7 		12%
6 		61%
30
5. Coordinate general notice mailings to clients regarding impact of new legal developments on plans; maintain mailing lists 12%
6 		12%
6 		14%
7 		61%
30
6. Test plan for discrimination, top-heaviness, or Section 415 limits 8%
4 		8%
4 		18%
9 		65%
32
7. Maintain plan 16%
8 		8%
4 		10%
5 		65%
32
8. Calculate employer contributions and forfeitures and allocate to participant accounts 6%
3 		6%
3 		17%
8 		71%
34
9. Calculate participants' years of service for eligibility and vesting 10%
5 		12%
6 		10%
5 		67%
33
10. Review account for updating and revision to conform with new tax laws 12%
6 		6%
3 		12%
6 		69%
34
11. Calculate benefit for terminated participants 10%
5 		4%
2 		14%
7 		71%
35
12. Determine valuation adjustments and allocate to participant accounts 6%
3 		6%
3 		16%
8 		71%
35
13. Provide tax distribution notice to terminated or retiring employees 12%
6 		8%
4 		10%
5 		69%
34
14. Pay termination benefits to terminated or retiring employees 8%
4 		4%
2 		16%
8 		71%
35
15. File IRS 1099s for payments made 6%
3 		6%
3 		16%
8 		71%
35
16. Track accounts to be certain investments are in accordance with investment elections 6%
3 		10%
5 		14%
7 		69%
34
17. Pay hardship withdrawals 6%
3 		8%
4 		14%
7 		71%
35
18. Set up pension payroll utilizing outside vendor 6%
3 		6%
3 		16%
8 		71%
35
19. Pay loan proceeds, track loan repayments 4%
2 		10%
5 		16%
8 		69%
34
20. Determine amount of employer contributions 8%
4 		4%
2 		16%
8 		71%
35
21. Deposit employee and employer contributions to accounts 4%
2 		6%
3 		17%
8 		72%
34
22. Revise Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD) as required 20%
10 		8%
4 		8%
4 		63%
31
23. Draft Summary Material Modifications to SPD as required 20%
10 		8%
4 		8%
4 		63%
31
24. Prepare and submit annual report (Form 5500) to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 16%
8 		8%
4 		10%
5 		65%
32
25. Prepare and submit required forms to IRS requesting determination letter with respect to plan terminations and statutory updates 18%
9 		14%
7 		4%
2 		63%
31
26. Gather required information in response to IRS inquiries and prepare response to IRS 20%
10 		8%
4 		8%
4 		63%
31
27. Prepare and submit return of excise tax to IRS related to employee benefit plans 8%
4 		12%
6 		14%
7 		65%
32
28. Complete and submit PBGC form in connection with termination of defined benefit plans 8%
4 		17%
8 		10%
5 		65%
31

    
26. INTERNATIONAL, TRADE, IMMIGRATION (see also REGULATORY/LEGISLATIVE)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Monitor filings of trade-related actions in the U.S. agencies and abroad 16%
8 		24%
12 		4%
2 		57%
29
2. Perform business development research projects 20%
10 		24%
12 		4%
2 		53%
27
3. Maintain public files stemming from the agency investigations, including detailed document logs, and make files available to attorneys 29%
15 		10%
5 		6%
3 		55%
28
4. Create and maintain subject matter files of interest to attorneys and clients 24%
12 		18%
9 		4%
2 		55%
28
5. Maintain confidential (APO and JPO) files stemming from the agency investigations, including detailed confidential document logs, and make these files available to attorneys 20%
10 		10%
5 		8%
4 		63%
32
6. Ensure the firm's compliance with the terms and regulations of APO and JPO in each particular case, including destruction of files at the end of the case 18%
9 		10%
5 		10%
5 		63%
32
7. Draft and file applications for access to business proprietary information, requests to remove from the APOs or JPOs, certifications of destruction and compliance 10%
5 		16%
8 		12%
6 		62%
31
8. Manage firm-wide database of information on employees APO and JPO access authorizations 14%
7 		6%
3 		12%
6 		69%
35
9. Check bracketing of confidential information against the public record 14%
7 		18%
9 		6%
3 		63%
32
10. Create public versions of confidential documents and redact confidential information 22%
11 		14%
7 		6%
3 		59%
30
11. Assemble public and confidential exhibit volumes 27%
14 		10%
5 		6%
3 		57%
29
12. Notify attorneys when new documents are received 34%
17 		4%
2 		6%
3 		56%
28
13. Send copies of relevant documents to clients 28%
14 		8%
4 		6%
3 		58%
29
14. Perform files research at the Dept. Of Commerce Central Record Units and monitor International Trade Commission's public dockets 16%
8 		8%
4 		10%
5 		67%
34
15. Maintain docketing calendar 24%
12 		6%
3 		6%
3 		65%
33
16. Research and retrieve relevant case law and statutes 18%
9 		22%
11 		4%
2 		57%
29
17. Review and analyze client and internal documents 32%
16 		14%
7 		2%
1 		52%
26
18. Prepare forms on behalf of clients 29%
15 		10%
5 		4%
2 		57%
29

    
27. TRUST & ESTATES/ PROBATE
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Verify cash and bank balances at date of death 47%
24 		6%
3 		4%
2 		43%
22
2. Prepare and file probate documents in administration of estate or summary administration 47%
24 		8%
4 		4%
2 		41%
21
3. Collect information and assets for preparation of inventory and tax return 47%
24 		10%
5 		2%
1 		41%
21
4. Draft inventory and appraisal list 47%
24 		8%
4 		4%
2 		41%
21
5. Obtain Tax I.D. number and notify taxing authorities of fiduciary capacity 49%
25 		6%
3 		4%
2 		41%
21
6. Arrange for and/or assist with appraisals 43%
22 		12%
6 		4%
2 		41%
21
7. Contact clients for information and/or assistance 47%
24 		12%
6 		0%
0 		41%
21
8. Attend meetings with clients 39%
20 		20%
10 		0%
0 		41%
21
9. Provide clients with references to accountants, brokers and other professionals 24%
12 		22%
11 		10%
5 		44%
22
10. Prepare deeds for attorney review 32%
16 		10%
5 		14%
7 		44%
22
11. Arrange for ancillary probates 32%
16 		20%
10 		6%
3 		42%
21
12. Contact the Register of Wills, Clerk of the Court or the Commissioner of Accounts office with questions or in response to audit requests 41%
21 		12%
6 		4%
2 		43%
22
13. Meet with deputies w/ regard to new estates or existing estates 21%
10 		19%
9 		15%
7 		46%
22
14. Contact IRS regarding audits and assist with audit procedures 27%
14 		22%
11 		10%
5 		41%
21

    
28. BANKRUPTCY (see also LITIGATION)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Conduct interview of clients to prepare Voluntary Petition and Schedules 13%
7 		28%
15 		22%
12 		37%
20
2. Prepare Voluntary Petition, Schedules and statements of financial affairs 27%
15 		22%
12 		15%
8 		36%
20
3. Prepare and file proofs of claim including organization of exhibits 46%
25 		19%
10 		4%
2 		31%
17
4. Handle routine calls and correspondence to creditors, creditors' committee members, outside attorneys and clients 40%
22 		25%
14 		2%
1 		33%
18
5. Draft and assist with calculations of attorney fee applications 44%
24 		16%
9 		5%
3 		35%
19
6. Draft motions to lift stay, Objections to Claims and Notices of Hearing 19%
10 		35%
19 		11%
6 		35%
19
7. Attend Court hearings with attorneys and clients to facilitate documents needed 11%
6 		34%
18 		21%
11 		34%
18
8. Draft and file debtor's monthly financial statements in Chapter 11 cases 23%
12 		21%
11 		17%
9 		40%
21
9. Draft and file complaints in Adversary proceedings 17%
9 		26%
14 		21%
11 		36%
19
10. Perform Review of Claims and analyze priority; compile list of assets 23%
12 		32%
17 		11%
6 		34%
18
11. Attend Section 341(a) meetings 13%
7 		25%
13 		23%
12 		38%
20
12. Perform on-line PACER research to monitor cases pending throughout country 54%
29 		13%
7 		4%
2 		30%
16

    
29. REAL ESTATE/ TRANSACTIONS (see also CORPORATE)
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Draft Warranty and other Deeds 55%
29 		9%
5 		8%
4 		28%
15
2. Conduct title searches in records office or order title search and updates 55%
31 		18%
10 		2%
1 		25%
14
3. Draft leases, assignments, extensions, and Amendments 52%
29 		18%
10 		7%
4 		23%
13
4. Draft, review and plat legal descriptions; review land surveys, parcel maps and plats 57%
32 		13%
7 		4%
2 		27%
15
5. Draft and review permits and easements 43%
24 		25%
14 		7%
4 		25%
14
6. Coordinate closing of escrow with all parties 56%
31 		7%
4 		9%
5 		27%
15
7. Obtain closing figures and arrange for purchase of title insurance 47%
26 		15%
8 		7%
4 		31%
17
8. Prepare Release of Mortgages 43%
24 		18%
10 		11%
6 		29%
16
9. Draft escrow instructions 45%
25 		16%
9 		11%
6 		29%
16
10. Perform financial calculations such as amortizations 23%
13 		25%
14 		18%
10 		34%
19
11. Prepare abstract of title and opinion on the title 27%
15 		16%
9 		23%
13 		34%
19
12. Pro rate real and personal property taxes 27%
15 		20%
11 		20%
11 		34%
19
13. Coordinate with title company and clear title 54%
30 		13%
7 		7%
4 		27%
15
14. Prepare and distribute Estoppel letters 42%
23 		16%
9 		15%
8 		27%
15

    
30. REGULATORY/LEGISLATIVE
1
Frequently 		2
Occasionally 		3
Never 		N/A
1. Locate and review articles, news releases, industry publications and general news articles of interest to attorneys and clients 51%
25 		6%
3 		2%
1 		41%
20
2. Obtain and disseminate information and press releases from agency 45%
22 		10%
5 		2%
1 		43%
21
3. Locate and coordinate with experts as needed 19%
9 		19%
9 		17%
8 		46%
22
4. Maintain subject files and materials of use to practice group 44%
22 		12%
6 		2%
1 		42%
21
5. Respond to questions regarding procedural issues for agency filings 33%
16 		16%
8 		6%
3 		45%
22
6. Assist attorneys in the preparation of agency filings 38%
19 		16%
8 		6%
3 		40%
20
7. Draft information for agency filings 31%
15 		21%
10 		6%
3 		42%
20
8. Proofread and cite check agency and court briefs and other substantive filings 26%
13 		30%
15 		4%
2 		40%
20
9. Perform agency filings, including responsibility for filing logistics, accuracy of service, and compliance with agencies' filing rules 27%
13 		21%
10 		8%
4 		44%
21
10. Provide information to clients on agency regulations 18%
9 		33%
16 		8%
4 		41%
20
11. Perform document reviews for due diligence 24%
12 		20%
10 		10%
5 		45%
22
12. Monitor specific issues and disseminate information to attorneys and clients 37%
18 		20%
10 		2%
1 		41%
20
13. Attend hearings or meetings and report on them 19%
9 		25%
12 		17%
8 		40%
19
14. Create and distribute regular reports on topics of interest to clients and attorneys 27%
13 		31%
15 		4%
2 		39%
19
15. Write,submit and track FOIA requests 26%
12 		15%
7 		13%
6 		47%
22
16. Draft letters to clients and government agencies 29%
14 		19%
9 		8%
4 		44%
21
17. Monitor proposed legislation or regulations of interest to attorneys and clients 38%
18 		19%
9 		2%
1 		42%
20
18. Obtain comment letters on proposed regulations 21%
10 		27%
13 		8%
4 		44%
21
19. Monitor Congressional Record and/or Federal Register and Federal Register Public Inspection listings for items of interest 25%
12 		23%
11 		10%
5 		42%
20
20. Prepare legislative histories 19%
9 		19%
9 		19%
9 		43%
20
21. Conduct legislative research 27%
13 		27%
13 		8%
4 		39%
19
22. Perform substantive research at agencies or on agency web sites 36%
18 		24%
12 		2%
1 		38%
19


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