Ethical Dilemmas In The Paralegal Field
Ethical Dilemmas in the Paralegal Field
Frances Cuzzola
CM107-18
Professor Ann Reich
May 24, 2013
There are numerous ethical dilemmas surrounding the field of law. An example of these would be, unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest and confidentiality. While a lawyer may deal with some dilemmas, a paralegal may deal with more. An attorney that violates ethical standards may be subject to discipline including, permanent disbarment, temporary suspension, public censure, or an informal reprimand. A paralegal must use different methods in the legal field to overcome an ethical dilemma. According to the National Association of Paralegals and Legal Assistants (NALA), “a paralegal must …show more content…
They should always refrain from advising a client on any legal issue, because again, this is not in their job description. Typical duties of a paralegal may include, retaining an affidavit from a client, interviewing a client, organizing files and drafting certain legal documents. A typical day for a paralegal, either in a small, or large firm, may include these said duties, as-well-as secretary work, answering phones, and scheduling an initial interview. A paralegal should take strict direction from any ethics course given, as well as direction from their supervising attorney. “It is essential that paralegals understand and follow attorneys’ professional rules, because, as agents of attorneys, paralegals are bound by those rules and can subject the attorney to liability for their violation.” (Anne Lang, Administrative Law, Monroe Community College, 2012)
Paralegals will never be held to the same standards, or put through the same punishments as a supervising attorney, but when dealing with an ethical dilemma, they will most likely lose their jobs. An example of high ethical standards will give a paralegal influence beyond measure. Therefore, the paralegal should be smart - be
Frances Cuzzola
CM107-18
Professor Ann Reich
May 24, 2013
There are numerous ethical dilemmas surrounding the field of law. An example of these would be, unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest and confidentiality. While a lawyer may deal with some dilemmas, a paralegal may deal with more. An attorney that violates ethical standards may be subject to discipline including, permanent disbarment, temporary suspension, public censure, or an informal reprimand. A paralegal must use different methods in the legal field to overcome an ethical dilemma. According to the National Association of Paralegals and Legal Assistants (NALA), “a paralegal must …show more content…
They should always refrain from advising a client on any legal issue, because again, this is not in their job description. Typical duties of a paralegal may include, retaining an affidavit from a client, interviewing a client, organizing files and drafting certain legal documents. A typical day for a paralegal, either in a small, or large firm, may include these said duties, as-well-as secretary work, answering phones, and scheduling an initial interview. A paralegal should take strict direction from any ethics course given, as well as direction from their supervising attorney. “It is essential that paralegals understand and follow attorneys’ professional rules, because, as agents of attorneys, paralegals are bound by those rules and can subject the attorney to liability for their violation.” (Anne Lang, Administrative Law, Monroe Community College, 2012)
Paralegals will never be held to the same standards, or put through the same punishments as a supervising attorney, but when dealing with an ethical dilemma, they will most likely lose their jobs. An example of high ethical standards will give a paralegal influence beyond measure. Therefore, the paralegal should be smart - be