What can a Paralegal do?
A paralegal assists an attorney in preparation of legal documents, gathering facts, performing research, interviewing witnesses, and other tasks at the direction of an attorney.
What can a Legal Document Assistant do?
At your direction, LDAs can complete court forms for you. LDAs may file forms with the court and have them served. LDAs may also supply books and publications authored or approved by attorneys.
What can’t a Paralegal do?
- Cannot set or accept fees for services from a consumer
- Cannot independently prepare documents for consumers
- Cannot represent you in court
- Cannot give you legal advice
- Cannot work as LDAs unless meeting the requirements of being bonded and registered.
What can’t a Legal Document Assistant do?
- Cannot represent you in court
- Cannot give you legal advice
- Cannot tell you what information should be inserted in the documents
- Cannot interpret documents
- Cannot select forms
Effective January 1, 2000, Business and Professions Code Section 6400 et seq. redefined “paralegal” to mean only those who work for and are supervised by attorneys. A “legal document assistant” is authorized under California law to prepare legal documents for consumers. Paralegals may not work independently for consumers.
What you need to know before hiring a Legal Document Assistant:
Contact the County Clerk or County Recorder for a list of the registered LDAs in your County and confirm the LDA is registered and bonded. Ask to review the Contract for Services, a document required to be executed by both parties under California State law. This is information is essential to any currently practicing Law Firm. Make sure to review it thoroughly so that you do not run into any issues further down the line, and so that you know what to correctly request. If you do not understand your legal rights or need advice on your matter, consult an attorney before you direct the LDA to complete your documents.
