Conflicts and confidences: codes address ethics for paralegals, and impact on lawyers

Article Abstract:

States and national organizations are grappling with the ethical problems that confront paralegals, even as some groups seek an expanded role for legal assistants. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants both have ethics codes, though only the NFPA issues ethics opinions. State high courts, special committees, and state bars have set down guidelines in many states. Some courts are being asked to disqualify lawyers due to their paralegals' conflict of interest.

Standards, Laws, regulations and rules, Ethical aspects, Legal ethics, National Federation of Paralegal Associations, National Association of Legal Assistants

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Code crackdown: bankruptcy trustees use law to police petition preparers

Article Abstract:

Some trustees and bankruptcy judges are using Oct 1994 changes to Section 110 of the Bankruptcy Code requiring petition preparers to identify themselves, report their fees and not use the word 'legal' in their advertising to root out nonlawyers. Remedies for violation of the law can include mandating the return of excess fees as well as fines of $500 for each code violation. The law also mandates damages, legal fees and costs for preparers' actions if they are fraudulent or deceptive.

Practice, Bankruptcy law

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Shades of regulation; state bills apply sundry standards to independent paralegals

Article Abstract:

Many states face with the proliferation of independent paralegals the question of how to regulate the unauthorized practice of law. Many experts claim that these professionals are filling a need, since few low- and middle-income people can afford legal fees. State legislatures are coming down on both sides of the debate. Some states are considering licensing schemes for nonlawyers, while some toughen punishment for nonlawyers who do legal work.

Management, states

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