NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Paralegal PracticeEasy
A paralegal is preparing for a deposition by reviewing key documents and drafting a summary of anticipated testimony for the supervising attorney. The paralegal discovers a discrepancy in a witness statement that could significantly impact the case. What is the paralegal's most appropriate immediate action?
- AAttempt to contact the witness directly to clarify the discrepancy.
- BIgnore the discrepancy if it seems minor and proceed with the summary.
- CImmediately inform the supervising attorney of the discovered discrepancy.
- DEdit the document to correct the discrepancy before the attorney reviews it.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Immediately inform the supervising attorney of the discovered discrepancy.
Paralegals have a professional responsibility to promptly report any significant findings, especially discrepancies that could impact a case, to their supervising attorney. This ensures the attorney is fully informed and can make appropriate legal decisions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Contacting a witness directly might be considered unauthorized practice or improper contact.
- B. Ignoring discrepancies is a breach of professional responsibility and could harm the client's case.
- D. Editing a document without attorney instruction could be unethical and spoliation of evidence.
Paralegal Professional Responsibility
The ethical obligation of paralegals to act diligently, competently, and with integrity, always under the supervision of an attorney, and to uphold the rules of professional conduct.
- Report all significant findings to the attorney.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
- Avoid unauthorized practice of law.
Memory trick: If it's IMPORTANT, ALERT the ATTORNEY, don't delay or hide it.