Questions: The three major characteristics of the definition of the term "paralegal" are (1) has acquired legal skills through education, training, or on the job experience; (2) works under the supervision of an attorney; and (3) performs substantive legal work that the attorney would otherwise have to perform. In determining if the third characteristic, the absence test may be used. Under the Absence Test, a paralegal Has acquired legal skills through education, training, or on-the-job experience and works in a law office or is an independent contractor who provides legal services for an attorney. Must have the skills to perform the task, which most secretaries do not have the skills to perform, and an attorney would have to perform the task if the office did not have a paralegal but did have a secretary. Must possess the legal skills described in the definition of a paralegal written by the state legislature, the state courts, the State or local bar association, and the American association for Paralegal Education.

The answer is B: Must have the skills to perform the task, which most secretaries do not have the skills to perform, and an attorney would have to perform the task if the office did not have a paralegal but did have a secretary.

Explanation for each option:

A. "Has acquired legal skills through education, training, or on-the-job experience and works in a law office or is an independent contractor who provides legal services for an attorney." - This option describes the general qualifications and work environment of a paralegal but does not specifically address the Absence Test, which focuses on the nature of the tasks performed.

B. "Must have the skills to perform the task, which most secretaries do not have the skills to perform, and an attorney would have to perform the task if the office did not have a paralegal but did have a secretary." - This option correctly describes the Absence Test, which is used to determine if the work performed by a paralegal is substantive legal work that an attorney would otherwise have to do.

C. "Must possess the legal skills described in the definition of a paralegal written by the state legislature, the state courts, the State or local bar association, and the American association for Paralegal Education." - This option refers to the qualifications and standards set by various legal bodies but does not specifically address the Absence Test related to the tasks performed by a paralegal.