Paralegals can and do play a large role in the cost-effective delivery of legal services. There are countless articles and web pages regarding the utilization of paralegals, education of paralegals and ethical standards to which we need to comply. A couple samples include the American Bar Association section on its website titled “Information for Lawyers: How Paralegals Can Improve Your Practice.” The National Federation of Paralegal Associations website contains a section on Paralegals as Profit Centers. Both of these associations, and your local Philadelphia Association of Paralegals, have many items to help us in our current positions. But there is a myriad of information available to show how paralegals can play an integral part of the legal team from a variety of sources.
A paralegal’s career starts with education. Part of that education includes learning about ethical rules and regulations. A paralegal, like an attorney, is bound by these rules of ethics. The attorneys for which we work are also responsible to make sure we follow them. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3 deals with responsibilities regarding nonlawyer assistants. We must also be aware of the unauthorized practice of law and avoid any real or perceived issues in this area. A well-educated paralegal, including continuing legal education, plays a vital role in firms, corporations, government agencies and any other nontraditional settings. The key is education, networking and utilization, which is all used to expand our knowledge base.
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