Differences Between A Legal Nurse Consultant And A Paralegal

Probably the biggest difference between a paralegal and a legal nurse consultant (LNC) is in the nature and stature associated with both positions. An LNC is a consultant while a paralegal holds a staff position. Logically, when employed in the same legal firm, a consultant is paid higher than a staff. Both, however, are certified in their respective fields.

LNC and Paralegal Distinguished - Although both jobs require the performance of several similar functions, there are distinct differences between the two jobs. A paralegal or legal assistant is trained in many aspects of law. He may be a bachelor's degree holder in paralegal studies or one who has undergone and passed a post-college certification program. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a paralegal in the United States earns about $42,000 a year.

A legal nurse consultant, on the other hand, is a registered nurse (RN) hired to provide insights on medical aspects of a legal case. An LNC lends expertise drawn from various trainings and prior experiences working in the actual medical environment. During the hiring process, LNC's can set their own fees. LNC's in the United States are paid an average of $65,000 per year.

Training and Coursework - Training requirements for either job are very different. For nurses, the National Association of Legal Nursing Consultants offers programs that include courses both in the medical and legal fields. Such courses touch on topics like civil procedures, tort liability, deposition proceedings, federal rules of evidence and various forms of medical malpractice. A certification exam is given at the end of the training program.

Legal assistants, on the other hand, take paralegal certification programs that focus more on legal research and writing. Substantive law is also part of the program.

Specific Job Responsibilities - As described by the National Association of Legal Assistants, part of the job of a paralegal is to make representations with clients, to do legal research work and also and to perform some tasks normally done by an attorney like writing case briefs and pleadings. However, a legal assistant, as the position title suggests, usually works under the supervision of a lawyer.

On the other hand, an LNC is tasked to interpret medical records, do legal research on medical and health matters, take the witness stand as expert witness in court proceedings, and help the lawyers in evaluating standards of medical care. A legal nurse, being a consultant, is considered an expert on his field of specialization and his opinion is generally accepted by trial lawyers.