PARALEGAL Corner
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PARALEGAL Corner
Professional Proactive Paralegals
PATRICIA C. DERAMUS
Fundamental to the success of any professional is personal integrity and professional ethics which inspired me to share some insights. It is important that we, as paralegals continuously update our education and training to be knowledgeable on current law and governmental rules. We must be highly aware of client confidentiality and adhere to the doctrine of attorney client privilege. This duty of confidentiality is perpetual. Whether you are a Florida Registered Paralegal, NALA Certified Paralegal or a Florida Certified Paralegal we are expected to act. We are bound by the same rules as attorneys and we need to make sure that we are following them.
There are two basic undeniable truths about our legal career:
Our work is deadline-drive and detail oriented, and our career success is solely our responsibility.
Proactive paralegals engage in long-range planning by focusing future activities, projects and events and then anticipating needs, potential problems and future outcomes.
The end result – Goals are met and disasters are averted.
Professional proactive paralegals are always looking ahead and planning for the future and implementing strategies to enhance their professional ability.
It is important to continue to enhance your skills and knowledge through continuing legal education and paralegal certification programs along with career development workshops. Become a Florida Bar- Florida Registered Paralegal and at minimum receive an associate degree in paralegal studies from an ABA approved program. By doing this, you increase your credibility in the profession.
Our profession is changing so we continually strive to seek legal education opportunities looking to the future to what it holds for our profession.
Equally important is staying atop emerging technologies along with the changing nature of our profession. Tap others’ expertise. Mentors and other colleagues can make professional introductions and provide legal experience. Get out and network. Learn from your peers. Become a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association – Paralegal Committee as well as our statewide association – Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. which has a local Palm Beach County Chapter.
Mingling with other members of the paralegal community to stay on top of the professional expectations by networking, joining professional organizations helps paralegals maintain their career goals, community service and professionalism – this is a means to an end. Once again, true career goals, community service and professionalism are an“ attitude.” The question you need to ask yourself –“ Are you in this profession for the right reasons?”
Paralegal learning is a life-long professional decision. In the end, it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you want to learn something – the experience will be so rewarding that the next time becomes easier.
We have the ground work regarding our professional expectations – let me remind you about the FRP Rule 20 and the new“ Florida Bar Professionalism Expectations.” On September 10, 2015 The Supreme Court of Florida amended the Code for Resolving Professionalism Complaints by deleting references to“ The Florida Bar Ideals and Goals of Professionalism” and replacing them with“ The Florida Bar Professionalism Expectations.” This not only affects attorneys but includes, staff, paralegals, and Judicial Assistants.
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 14
You can find the guidelines and rules at www. flabar. org under the Professionalism link at the top of the home page and scrolling down to the section on“ Regulating Professionalism.” Paralegals should be aware of the contents of Rule 20-7 Code of Ethics and Responsibility and specifically Sections( b) to( h).
The Rules of Professional Conduct contain specific provisions regarding conflicts of interest and other ethical issues, and lawyers along with paralegals and staff should be able to rely on those rules for guidance. An attorney, paralegal and / or staff member must continue to look to the Rules of Professional Conduct for the fundamental ethical principles that govern the profession.
Become a proactive paralegal and you will have a positive influence on your future. The Florida Bar definitely takes Professionalism very serious and so should paralegals and all law firm staff.
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