Paralegal Ethics

Training Provided by Lorman Education Services Ethics for Paralegals - Ethics one of the most important topics in the practice of law! The use of paralegals has become common in the legal profession; however, most states have no specific regulations with regard to paralegal training or certification, which results in many ethical areas of concern for lawyers as well as paralegals. Attend this valuable seminar and get up to speed on key issues and get guidance on how to avoid pitfalls that can lead to ethical violations. Don t miss this timely opportunity to find out what you need to know about the ethical issues in today s law practice. Benefits for You Explore different paralegal codes of ethics Take the headaches out of managing client funds and property Find out what you need to know about the unauthorized practice of law Properly address conflict of interest issues Recognize what types of conflicts paralegals can get caught up in

Paralegal Ethics This seminar will be presented by Charlene G. Cyrus, Edward O. Lear, Kristin L. Ritsema and Paul J. Virgo.

8:00 am 8:30 am Registration

8:30 am 8:45 am What Is a Paralegal?
Definition, History and Education
Benefits and Functions of a Paralegal
Certification and Licensing, Pros and Cons, and the Current State of the Law
Identification of Several Paralegal Codes of Ethics (ABA, NALA and NFPA)

8:45 am 9:45 am Client Funds and Property
What Are the Rules About Trust Accounts and IOLTA Accounts?
What Are the Rules About Client Personal Property?
What Are the Recordkeeping Requirements? Why Are Those Requirements Important?
Why Is a Clear Tracking System Needed? Why Are Receipts for Personal Property Needed?
What Are Possible Violations When There Are Court-Ordered Escrow Funds?

9:45 am 10:00 am Break

10:00 am 10:45 am The Unauthorized Practice of Law
What Does State Law Say? How Is the Unauthorized Practice Defined?
What Is the History of Laws and Regulations on This Issue?
What Is the Attorney s Duty?
What Constitutes the Unauthorized Practice?
What About Settlement Negotiations?
What Is Legal Advice? Where Is the Line Paralegals Cannot Cross?
Can Paralegals Recommend a Course of Action?
Can They Evaluate the Probable Outcome of a Legal Matter?
Can They Interpret Statutes, Case Law or Legal Documents?
What Kinds of Disclosure Are Necessary so That the Client Knows the Paralegal s Status?

10:45 am 11:30 am Confidentiality
What Is It? How Is It Defined?
What Information Is Privileged and What Isn t?
What About Inadvertent Disclosures?
Are Special Policies Needed in Law Offices to Protect Confidentiality? What Are Some Examples of Policies?
What About Paralegals Changing Law Firms Between Two Firms Who Have Cases Against Each Other?

11:30 am 12:30 pm Conflicts
Examples of Conflicts of Interest That Are Prohibited by Attorney s Ethical Rules
What Types of Conflict Situations Can Paralegals Get Caught Up In?
What Are Prohibited Business Transactions With Clients, and Do Those Prohibitions Apply to Paralegals?
What About Giving Financial Assistance to Clients?
What Are Restrictions on Sexual Relations With Clients?
What About Conflicts Concerning Family Members or Relatives?
When Is Disqualification of the Firm Appropriate?
What Are Effective Screening Methods in a Firm to Prevent Conflicts From Arising?
When Are Conflicts Imputed?

About The Training Provider: Lorman Education Services

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