NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Paralegal PracticeEasy
A paralegal is asked by her supervising attorney to prepare a presentation for a community legal education seminar. The attorney specifically instructs the paralegal to create slides explaining common legal terms and basic rights regarding tenant-landlord disputes. The paralegal's role is limited to preparing the materials; the attorney will deliver the presentation and answer all legal questions. Is the paralegal's involvement in this activity appropriate?
- ANo, because paralegals are generally prohibited from creating any legal content for public consumption.
- BNo, because any involvement in legal education by a paralegal constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
- CYes, but only if the paralegal has a specific certification in public speaking legal education.
- DYes, as long as the paralegal is supervised by an attorney and does not offer legal advice.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, as long as the paralegal is supervised by an attorney and does not offer legal advice.
Paralegals can assist attorneys in preparing educational materials and participating in public legal education under the direct supervision of an attorney, as long as they do not provide legal advice or act as an attorney. Their role is to assist, not to represent or advise.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Paralegals often prepare legal content under attorney supervision for various purposes, including education.
- B. Paralegals can assist in legal education under supervision; it does not automatically constitute UPL.
- C. No specific certification in public speaking legal education is required for a paralegal to assist in this capacity.
Paralegal Role in Public Legal Education
Paralegals may assist attorneys in preparing and participating in public legal education initiatives, provided they are supervised by an attorney, do not offer legal advice, and do not represent themselves as attorneys.
- Must be under attorney's direct supervision.
- Cannot provide legal advice.
- Cannot represent themselves as attorneys.
- Role is to assist in preparation and delivery.
Memory trick: Prepared Paralegals Present Powerfully, Provided Proper Supervision Prevails.