Why would a paralegal who specializes in one legal field be at greater risk for the unauthorized practice of law?

• Avoid being perceived as a lawyer. ...
• Never give legal advice. ...
• Do not supervise the execution of documents without a lawyer present. ...
• Just say no to family and friends. ...
• When your lawyer stops working, you stop working. ...
• When in doubt, don't do it.

• Unauthorized Practice. ...
• Maintaining Confidentiality. ...
• Supervising Attorney Reviewing the Paralegal's Work. ...
• Role of Technology. ...
• Conflicts of Interest.

What are the three ethical issues of which paralegals must be particularly aware?

These are requirements of Competence, Diligence, and Professional Integrity, requirements of Client Confidentiality, rules concerning Conflicts of Interest, responsibilities of supervisory lawyers' regarding nonlawyer assistants; and prohibitions concerning the Unauthorized Practice of Law.

What are the ethical concerns of a paralegal discussing settlement with a client?

What constitutes a conflict of interest for a paralegal?

A conflict of interest, in the legal sense, involves information about a client held by a member of the legal team...an attorney, paralegal or legal secretary. That information does not have to be attorney/client privileged information, nor does it have to include actual documented facts about a client's legal matter.

How do the ethical rules apply to paralegals?

A paralegal must adhere strictly to the accepted standards of legal ethics and to the general principles of proper conduct. The performance of the duties of the paralegal shall be governed by specific canons as defined herein so that justice will be served and goals of the profession attained.

How might a paralegal violate ethics in the handling of client funds?

1. “Borrowing” client funds — Tapping into a retainer to cover payroll or overhead costs when those funds have actually been set aside for a client's specific matter can trigger an ethics violation — even if you plan on paying the money back “ASAP”.

What a paralegal Cannot do?

Paralegals must avoid the unauthorized practice of law. Generally, paralegals may not represent clients in court, take depositions, or sign pleadings. Some federal and state administrative agencies, however, do permit nonlawyer practice. See, for example, Social Security Administration.

Why it is important for paralegals to understand the importance of confidentiality?

A paralegal shall preserve and protect the confidences and secrets of a client. Many of us have worked on high-profile matters. In those situations, everyone involved is often given strict instructions on how to maintain confidential information about the case and who may answer questions from outside the firm.

Are there any ethical issues that you might have in drafting legal documents as a paralegal?

One of the major ethical issues with drafting legal documents is that any materials drafted by non-lawyers, including paralegals, must be reviewed and approved by a lawyer before being distributed beyond the confines of the law firm. This can prove difficult in a busy office where everyone is overwhelmed.

What does unauthorized practice of law mean?

When someone who is not licensed to practice law provides services that can only be performed by attorneys, that is called the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).

What are examples of unauthorized practice of law?

What conduct or practices constitute engaging in the unauthorized practice of law?

Paragraph (a) applies to unauthorized practice of law by a lawyer, whether through the lawyer's direct action or by the lawyer assisting another person. For example, a lawyer may not assist a person in practicing law in violation of the rules governing professional conduct in that person's jurisdiction.

Can a lawyer be disciplined for the unethical conduct of a paralegal whom he or she supervises Can the paralegal be disciplined?

For example, if a paralegal is disclosing confidential client information without the client's consent (a clear ethical breach, see Rule 1.6) and the paralegal's supervisor knew about it, but did nothing, the supervising lawyer can be disciplined for the paralegal's misconduct.

How can a paralegal prevent conflicts of interest?

In order to determine the existence of a conflict of interest, the paralegal should consider whether representing a current client in a matter includes acting against a former client. Rule 3.04(4) and (5) deal specifically with the paralegal's obligations when acting against a former client.

What risks are involved when a lawyer simultaneously represents 2 clients on the same side of litigation?

[11] When lawyers representing different clients in the same matter or in substantially related matters are closely related by blood or marriage, there may be a significant risk that client confidences will be revealed and that the lawyer's family relationship will interfere with both loyalty and independent ...

What are the two major causes of conflict of interest in law?

There are two different sets of circumstances which may constitute a concurrent conflict of interest. One is when the representation of one client would be directly adverse to the other client. [4] This occurs when the interests of one client requires the lawyer to act against the interest of his other client.

What are the ethical issues in legal practice?

a. the independence of the lawyer, and the freedom of the lawyer to pursue the client's case; b. the right and duty of the lawyer to keep clients' matters confidential and to respect professional secrecy; c. avoidance of conflicts of interest, whether be- tween different clients or between the client and the lawyer; d.

What ethical problems do lawyers face?

Client Confidences & Privilege. Misconduct Involving Dishonesty. Trust Accounts. Neglect & Lack of Communication.

What are moral obligations of a paralegal?

A PARALEGAL SHALL MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT. EC-1.3 (a) A paralegal shall refrain from engaging in any conduct that offends the dignity and decorum of proceedings before a court or other adjudicatory body and shall be respectful of all rules and procedures.

How can a paralegal provide support to both the attorney and client when a matter is referred?

How can a paralegal provide support to both the attorney and client when a matter is referred? Paralegals must understand the legal problem involved which must be referred. Paralegals should ensure to obtain all the necessary required information before referring the case to the attorney.

Why is it important to select the proper authority with respect to any case you are handling as a legal practitioner?

Using authority effectively is one of the tools that successful lawyers use to communicate clearly, thoroughly, and persuasively. Through practice, you will gain confidence and competence in using authority appropriately.