Which of the following tasks is a paralegal prohibited from performing?

Paralegals play a critical role in the legal field, providing support to attorneys in various tasks. However, there are specific limitations on what paralegals are allowed to do, primarily because they are not licensed attorneys and cannot provide legal services directly to clients.

The correct answer highlights the prohibition against signing court documents. This restriction is rooted in the legal principle that only licensed attorneys are permitted to advocate on behalf of clients and take formal actions in court. Signing court documents is a function that conveys legal authority and responsibility, which is exclusive to licensed lawyers.

In contrast, tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, and client interviews fall within the purview of a paralegal's responsibilities. These tasks involve supporting the legal process rather than performing tasks that would represent a client in a legal capacity. Therefore, while paralegals are essential to the legal system and can assist significantly within their scope of work, they must abide by strict boundaries regarding representation and the execution of official legal documents.