Chapter 1. Basic Flashcards
American Bar Association
ABA
A voluntary national association of attorneys. The _______ plays an active role in developing educational and ethical studies for attorneys and pursuing improvements in the administration of justice
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- used interchangeably
- qualified by education who is employed by a lawyer, in which a lawyer is responsible for.
National Association of Legal Assistants
NALA
One of the two largest ______ paralegal associations in the United States.
Formed in 1975. ______ is actively involved in paralegal progressional development.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
NFPA
One of the two largest ______ paralegal associations in the United States.
Formed in 1974______ is actively involved in paralegal progressional development.
American Association for Paralegal Education
AAfPE
A national organization of paralegal educators
Was established in 1981 to promote high standards for paralegal educations
Paralegal Qualified By
Education
Training
work experience
Employed or retained by
Lawyer
Law office
Corporation
Government agency
Major Organizations
American Bar Association
National Association of Legal Assistants
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
American Association for Paralegal Education
ABA
American Bar Association
NALA
National Association of Legal Assistants
NFPA
National Federation of Paralegal Associations
AAfPE
American Association for Paralegal Education
Expanding Roles
Overall
- Perform many functions that traditionally were performed by attorneys
- Work falls between an attorney and a legal secretary
- Perform Substantive legal work
- Trained to perform through education, experience, or usually both
Paralegal tasks
Day to day tasks
- Conduct Client interviews and maintain contact with clients
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Conduct legal investigation
- Calendar and track important deadlines
- Organize and maintain clients files
- Conduct legal research
- Draft legal documents
- File legal documents with courts
- Summarize witness testimony
- Coordinate litigation proceedings
- Attend legal proceedings
- Computers and technology
What do Paralegals Do
Duties Vary Why
Size of office
Kind of law that the firm practices
Amount of experience or expertise that the paralegal has
Paralegals do
Most of the time
Drafting legal documents
Handling client relations
Conducting legal research
Paralegals and technology
Specialized legal software programs
Time and billing software
Online legal database
Litigation support software
Computer skills and technical knowledge is highly valued
One of foremost areas of expanding paralegal responsibility
Increased marketability
Model employee
Come prepared Expect the unexpected Be ethical without exception Know where and how to find the answers Be mindful of cost
Educational Options
Two year community college programs Four year bachelors degree programs Certificate programs Postgraduate certificate programs Masters degree programs
Substantive Law
Law
rights and duties of individuals
respect to each other’s conduct and property
Creates legal rights and obligations
Procedural Law
Establishes methods of enforcing rights What documents need to be filed When the documents should be filed Which courts will hear the case Which witnesses will be called
Demands on paralegals have increased
Personality traits-PELTAA
Professional Efficient Legal knowledge Think logically Analyze complex issues Analyze conflicting facts
Professionalisms
Under pressure
Remain calm, detailed oriented and accurate
Focus on completing task quickly and accurately
Skills
Analytical
Communication
—— reading, writing, speaking, interpersonal
Computer
Organization
Information confidential
Professionalism
