For over 130 years, the law firm of MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, has been advising and assisting clients with a variety of legal claims, from criminal law and personal injury to divorce, elder law, and commercial litigation. With a wide range of experience and legal expertise, their divorce and criminal law attorneys provide skilled, considerate advice that always puts the client first.

People often wonder about the difference between lawyers and paralegals. The attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. are glad to help explain the difference:

• Lawyers Represent Clients & Provide Legal Advice: While paralegals can, and often do, help lawyers with research and preparing legal documents, only a lawyer can establish an attorney-client relationship or offer legal advice. For example, a criminal law attorney advises the client about the law and settlement options, but a paralegal helps prepare the final settlement agreement.
• Paralegals Assist With Document Preparation: Many branches of law, like corporate law and employment law, involve the preparation of complex legal documents. Paralegals often assist attorneys with document preparation.
• Lawyers Conduct Trials & Appeals: Only licensed attorneys can appear on a client’s behalf before a judge or jury, during a trial, or on appeal. Paralegals cannot perform trials, but they often assist lawyers with research, case management, and trial preparation.

Whether you need a divorce lawyer, criminal law attorney, or legal advice for any other personal legal issue or commercial claim, call the experienced attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. at (845) 343-3000 to schedule a free consultation. You can also find them online.