How does MCC work with the legal community?
MCC utilizes a Paralegal Studies Advisory Board. This group is composed
of notable lawyers, senior paralegals, legal technologists, employment
representatives, and members of the general public. Attorney Richard
D. Rosenbloom, past-president of the Monroe County Bar Association,
Senior Counsel for the law firm of Boylan, Brown, Code, Fowler, Vigdor
& Wilson, LLP, and a former Justice of the New York State Supreme Court
and Monroe County Family Court, serves as chair-person of the Paralegal
Studies Advisory Board. The Board helps to develop admission standards,
select competent faculty, evaluate curriculum and performance of graduates,
publicize the program, and secure community cooperation and interest.
What is a paralegal?
The American Bar Association adopted the following definition, effective
September 1, 1997: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified
by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained
by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity
and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which
a lawyer is responsible.
What do paralegals do?
Paralegals work in almost any area where law-related work is performed,
including private law firms and government agencies. Under the supervision
of lawyers, they research law, investigate facts, prepare drafts of
legal documents, and work with clients.
What should paralegals not do?
Paralegals should not establish attorney-client relationships, set legal
fees, give legal opinions or advice, or represent clients before courts.
How do traditional, freelance, and independent paralegals
differ?
Lawyers supervise the work of traditional and freelance paralegals,
but not the work of independent paralegals.
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Traditional paralegals are employed in law firms,
government agencies, and corporations.
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Freelance paralegals contract their services to lawyers.
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Independent paralegals provide services directly
to the public. They risk violating unauthorized practice of law statutes.
Do paralegals compete with lawyers?
Although some perceive paralegals as competing with new lawyers, in
1997 the NYS Bar pointed out that paralegals can expand the public's
access to legal services at a reduced cost. Throughout the country,
bar associations are encouraging all legal entities to explore possibilities
for better utilization of paralegals.
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