Paralegal Proffesional and Ethics Debate Post 1

Paralegals or legal assistants are qualified by education, training or work experience, but are not required by any state to be licensed. Although, legal assistants may get become certified through such organization as NALA or some state bar associations. Paralegals are a valuable asset to an attorney, but it is important for a paralegal or legal assistant to adhere to the standards of legal ethics and proper conduct, one of which, they must never give legal advice. A paralegal or legal assistant may assist an attorney, but the attorney is ultimately responsible, therefore the paralegal should work under the supervision of said attorney. Currently, there are no absolute requirements for a person to be a paralegal, but with most

Criminal law paralegals provide assistance to defense attorneys and prosecutors. Their duties include drafting documents, doing research, interviewing witnesses, putting together discovery information, communicating with other parties, and assisting attorneys when they are in

In order to complete this assignment we must first recognize what Unauthorized Practice of Law is when it comes to paralegals. There is no set definition on what UPL is but as a paralegal there are guidelines to go by. Some ways they can violate the practice of law would be an individual holding themselves as an attorney when they are paralegals, giving legal advice as an attorney would, or representing clients in a court of law. All of the previous are violations and can be subject to several disciplinary actions [ (Unauthorized Practice of Law, 2010) ]. It has been named illegal due to the damages on may suffer due to bad legal advice. In some states it is considered a criminal offense and could be given a jail sentence.

The responsibilities that lawyers have are nearly innumerous not only are Lawyers forced to adhere to the specific guidelines of the Bar but they also have to create a relationship with each client by giving them a trusting environment. Each state bar establishes its own rules of professional responsibility for lawyers, and law firms must ensure that their partners, associates and any lawyers with whom they contract follow these rules. These rules are more important than any other duty an attorney has, including her duties to make money for her firm or to advocate for her client. Generally speaking, codes of professional responsibility require that lawyers communicate effectively with their clients, avoid criminal behavior, manage payments legally and fairly and refrain from defrauding anyone. If a lawyer breaks one of these rules and commits

Regardless if a paralegal knows the answer to a client’s legal question, they must never give that client any advice or direction for applying case law recommendations and remedies to the client’s legal question. Furthermore, when a paralegal is working in a law firm and they come into contact with a client, whether it be interviewing

The Florida Paralegal Program was created in 2007, in order to regulate the paralegal profession in the state of the Florida. This program offers them a voluntary registration in this distingue organization, under the compromise to meet certain requirements such as education, certification, or work experience criteria, and also abide by a Code of Ethics and Responsibilities, all these based on the Chapter 20 of the Rules regulating the Florida Bar. Subsequently, these rules establish that a Florida Registered Paralegal is a paralegal who meets the requirements set out in Chapter 20 of the Rules regulating the Florida Bar. These rules designate that a paralegal is a person with education, training or work experience, who works under the direction of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is responsible. However, there are certain differences, as well as pros and cons, between paralegals that are not registered under this rule and those who are, specifically on the following main points: work experience, education, and requirements to qualify.

Since paralegals can only work under the supervision of an attorney, by doing the opposite may be consider an unauthorized practice of law, so paralegals must avoid assisting in the unlicensed practice of

It is a task in itself for one, such as myself, to allow another to fully grasp the principle of why I want to become a paralegal, let alone explain it within three pages without simply stating, “I desire to use the set of skills and passion that I possess in order to help others while working within this specific field of law.” Nevertheless, the reality of the fact is that it is purely the essence and core of why I have the drive and determination to work towards becoming a paralegal.

To understand what a paralegal does we must first understand what the job of a lawyer entails. Black’s Law Dictionary defines a lawyer as “a person learned in the law; as an attorney,

In stating so, Flynn argues that while some in the legal field think that paralegals are supervised and work under an attorney, therefore do not need to be licensed or certified. Others believe paralegals handle intricate legal matters, therefore should be licensed and certified. This statement from Flynn reinforces my belief that paralegals are essential to the effectiveness of a law firm and leads into my standing that licensing should be in place to ensure education, knowledge and adherence, which in turn will make a paralegal more valuable. Licensing of the paralegal profession and the requirements of experience and education that come with it; would dispel the long time misunderstanding of position titles among law office staff, attorneys and the public.

Learning a client's story and researching to help the client would be like putting pieces to a puzzle together, and that intrigues me. Therefore, research is one ofthe most important skills a paralegal can

When a client first walks into the office the paralegal must treat him as a client. For a Christian estate planner this step can become difficult with non-traditional families, however, the bible is very clear on how to treat others. Paralegals should treat non-traditional families with the same love and grace that God has shown to all. All of us are sinners. “Honor as a person made in the image of God.” Rodney

Question #9. What is the ethical obligation of a litigation support staff member to the client? To the court? Of a litigation support person from outside firm or consultant?

paralegals, as opposed to legal assistants. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to

Today, more than ever before, the legal profession offers a unique opportunities to dedicated individual to make a significant contribution to the society. This post is aimed at help you evaluate law as a career. It should give you a clear understanding of what to expect in your educational path to a law degree and the very significant financial expenses associated with obtaining a law degree.