This week, we will be discussing the role of the paralegal in the law office, specifically during trial preparation. So you can see part of the wide range of activities that a paralegal might perform. Original Papers

This week, we will be discussing the role of the paralegal in the law office, specifically during trial preparation. So you can see part of the wide range of activities that a paralegal might perform.

Here is one article, from among many, that discusses trial preparation and how the paralegal helps: Trial Preparation

Part 1.  Please read this article, then find one of your own. Tell us about your article and why you agree or disagree with its discussion of the paralegal’s role in trial preparation.

Part 2.  Paralegals and other legal professionals are employed in many different environments.  In some states, there are specific educational or licensing requirements for paralegals.  Look up the requirements for your state and post them here.  If you can join a paralegal organization in your state, have you already done so?    

Part 3.  The American Bar Association (ABA) has a Standing Committee on Paralegals, and it does a LOT.  Check out the site and let us know what you found interesting.  What do you think about the move in some states to let paralegals do more without attorney supervision?  In Utah, for example, there is what they call a Licensed Paralegal Practitioner who can do more than a paralegal but less than an attorney.  Use your computer to do some independent research; does your state have something like this currently — or expecting to have it soon?  Why or why not?  Either way, do you think that cultural or other perspectives within your state have influenced its current stance on this subject?  

Do you think that expansion of paralegal roles could improve the ability of certain underserved populations to access legal help when they need it, or could it cause more harm than already exists?  Why do you think that there are different approaches to this throughout the US?  Please share any resources that back up your personal thoughts about this.

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