Q: What is a paralegal?

A: paralegals.org

Q: What are the prohibited activities of a paralegal?

A: A paralegal is governed by the same Code of Ethics and Canons of their supervising attorney. The following restrictions have been specifically laid out in the Code:

• Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a paralegal shall not do any of the following:
  • Provide legal advice;
  • Represent a client in court;
  • Select, explain, draft, or recommend the use of any legal document to or for any person other than the attorney who directs and supervises the paralegal;
  • Act as a runner or capper as defined in Sections 6151 and 6152;
  • Engage in conduct that constitutes the unlawful practice of law;
  • Contract with, or be employed by, a natural person other than an attorney to perform legal services;
  • In connection with providing paralegal services, induce a person to make an investment, purchase financial product or service, or enter a transaction from which income or profit, or both, purportedly may be derived;
  • Establish fees to charge a client for the services the paralegal performs, which shall be established by the attorney who supervises the paralegals’ work. (This does not apply to fees charged by paralegals in a contract to provide legal services to an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, etc.)

Q: What is a PACE Registered Paralegal?

A: paralegals.org or e-mail pace@lexingtonparalegals.com

Q: What are some of the benefits to an attorney's utilizing a paralegal?

A: There are numerous benefits to paralegal utilization. Typically firms will bill a paralegal's time at a lower hourly rate than the time of the attorney. Paralegals, with their specialized training, can do initial drafting of legal documents and correspondence to be reviewed by the attorney prior to signature. The client will reap the benefit of a lower bill. Delegating appropriate tasks to a paralegal means the attorney will have more time to handle matters that require his or her attention. Having a paralegal assigned to a matter gives the client a liaison with the attorney, thus facilitating smoother communication.

Q: Can a paralegal give legal advice?

A: Typically, paralegals are not permitted by law to give legal advice. In most states it is a violation of the law for anyone other than a licensed attorney to give legal advice.

Q: What types of duties can a paralegal perform?

A: Paralegals can perform a wide variety of duties. Click here to go to NFPA's summary of the booklet entitled "Paralegals Roles and Responsibilities"

Q: How do I become a member of the GLPA?

A: Please review the membership critieria and submit your application online. Membership Application If you have any membership questions or concerns, please contact vicepres@lexingtonparalegals.com  

Q: How to become more involved in the GLPA?

A: You may volunteer to work on one of our various Committees such as Continuing Legal Education, Philanthropy, Newsletter, Student Relations, Special Events, Fund-raising Activities, PACE, and NFPA. If you are interested in serving on one of these Comittees, please contact vicepres@lexingtonparalegals.com  

Q: How do I become a GLPA Board member?

A: Nominations for the GLPA Board of Directors are solicited in August. You may nominate yourself or someone else to serve in any Board position. The ballots are then mailed with the September newsletter. The new Board is announced at the December Awards Luncheon.