To: Paralegals From: Bessy Moreira Date: February 23, 2024 Re: Paralegals Ethically Permissible Functions.
Assignment: Prepare an interoffice memorandum to answer a legal query presented regarding a paralegal’s ethically permissible functions.
Issue: What functions are ethically permissible for paralegals? Can a paralegal interview a client for the purpose of providing the client with fee and representative information? Under what circumstances may a paralegal conduct a settlement conference?
Rule: Paralegals form an essential part of a legal team and take on a substantive range of tasks, such as client communication, drafting documents, and legal research, under the supervision of licensed attorneys. In the case of “People v. Milner 35 P.3d 670 (Colo. 2001)”, Attorney Milner's paralegal violated the law by providing legal advice to clients, thereby engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Even though most paralegals handle these tasks daily, it is important to ensure that paralegals adhere to ethical guidelines, including avoiding the unauthorized practice of law and maintaining confidentiality between their clients.…show more content… In the case of “People v. Milner 35 P.3d 670 (Colo. 2001)”, Attorney Milner's paralegal engaged in unethical conduct by providing legal advice to a client. Although paralegals maintain open communication with clients, it is important to refrain from giving any legal
