What Paralegals Are Looking for in Attorneys They Want to Work With

In the legal world, there’s no shortage of discussion around what attorneys want in a paralegal—efficiency, reliability, attention to detail, and solid legal knowledge. But the conversation rarely turns the other way. What about paralegals? What do they look for in the attorneys they work with?

For any law firm or solo practitioner aiming to build a productive and lasting relationship with their paralegal, it’s important to understand the qualities and working environment that attract and retain top-tier paralegal talent. Here’s what paralegals are really looking for:

1. Clear Communication

Paralegals value attorneys who communicate clearly and consistently. Whether it's assigning tasks, setting deadlines, or providing feedback, effective communication ensures the work gets done accurately and efficiently. Paralegals want to work with attorneys who are accessible, responsive, and open to questions or clarifications.

2. Mutual Respect

Paralegals are skilled professionals—not just administrative support. They want to feel respected and valued for the role they play in legal outcomes. Attorneys who recognize their paralegal’s expertise, acknowledge their contributions, and involve them in the legal process foster trust and loyalty.

3. Opportunities for Growth

Ambitious paralegals are often eager to learn and grow in their careers. Attorneys who offer mentorship, professional development opportunities, or just take time to teach and explain legal strategies create a motivating environment. Many paralegals thrive when they’re supported in expanding their knowledge and skill set.

4. Organized Workflows

Disorganization leads to chaos, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress. Paralegals are drawn to attorneys who maintain structured systems for case management, document handling, and client communication. A well-organized attorney helps ensure a paralegal can do their job efficiently without constantly putting out fires in which most cases is above the paralegal's expertise and also not within their pay grade.

5. Ethical Integrity

Paralegals are trained to uphold legal ethics and they expect the same from the attorneys they work with. Working with an attorney who values ethical practices not only builds professional confidence but also protects both parties from legal and reputational risk.

6. Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Especially in today’s hybrid and remote-capable world, many paralegals are looking for positions that offer flexibility. Attorneys who are mindful of workloads, respect time boundaries, and support work-life balance are far more attractive than those who perpetually operate in crisis mode.

7. Positive Office Culture

The legal field can be high-pressure and fast-paced, but a toxic or overly tense environment makes things worse. Paralegals want to work with attorneys who create a culture of collaboration, appreciation, and professionalism. Even small gestures of appreciation or humor go a long way in building morale.

Final Thoughts

Paralegals aren’t just looking for a paycheck—don't get me wrong, they definitely want to be compensated well for their time. (We work extremely hard!)

But ultimately, they’re seeking meaningful, respectful partnerships with attorneys who see their value and support their growth. When attorneys invest in understanding what paralegals need to succeed, they build stronger, more efficient legal teams—and ultimately better serve their clients.

Whether you're an attorney building your practice or managing a team, taking a moment to consider the paralegal's perspective could be the game-changer your firm needs.