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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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