(Para) legal aid; what sort of assignments can you delegate to nonlawyer assistants?
Article Abstract:
State guidelines for the use of legal assistants vary, but certain general prohibitions do apply. Legal assistants may not perform any tasks requiring independent legal judgment. They may not appear before courts or other adjudicatory bodies unless the rules of that body authorize them to do so. Some state bars specify that the initial client interview must not be conducted by a legal assistant. The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct forbid the unauthorized practice of law but do not specifically define it, leaving this task to state bar associations.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1993
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At the sound of the beep ... an unattended office may leave ethics problems at lawyer's doorstep
Article Abstract:
Excessive reliance on technology in legal practice can pose ethical and practical difficulties, according to ethics opinions and a ruling by the NJ Supreme Court. In Matter of Kasson, the Court held that a lawyer did not maintain a bona fide office when his paralegal was out ill and he relied on answering machines and the like. Discussing client matters over cellular phones or online via computers also risks disclosure of confidential information and raises solicitation and other questions.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1996
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