Leveraging Paralegal Assistance in Legal Practice

*The program is accessible via Zoom or Telephone.

In this course, Ms. Seibert explores the definitions of paralegals and paralegal training, accreditation, and certification as provided by the American Bar Association and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Attorneys will gain insights into the bounds on paralegal responsibilities, as determined by restrictions on practicing law without authorization, as well as the standards of professional conduct expected from paralegals and their supervising attorneys. The course will delve into both authorized paralegal tasks and effective methods for monitoring and supervising paralegals.

These discussions are complemented by The Paralegal Association's Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegals, which underscores the need for well-defined paralegal guidelines, educational prerequisites, accurate paralegal designations, appropriate conduct, crucial considerations, and the ultimate responsibility borne by lawyers. Upheld by principles of professional responsibility, integrity, and competence, proper conduct is also examined through the lenses of conflicts of interest, the application of confidentiality, ethical evaluations, and background assessments.

This program is a must-attend for any attorneys interested in harnessing paralegals to deliver cost-effective and high-quality legal services. Attorneys at all stages of practice and within any field of law who seek to engage and maximize the potential of paralegals should not miss this opportunity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the defining attributes of paralegal roles, duties, and obligations.
2. Assess the requisite qualifications for paralegal certification and accreditation, considering the pathways provided by diverse professional programs.
3. Differentiate between authorized and unauthorized practices of law by paralegals, guided by The Paralegal Association’s Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegals.
4. Examine paralegal conduct as conforming or conflicting with established norms, through an analysis of the American Bar Association’s rules for professional conduct.
5. Review critical aspects of professional responsibility, mandatory disclosures, integrity, competence, conflicts of interest, ethical considerations, background evaluations, and applications of confidentiality.