Competences Needed in the Law and Paralegal Profession

Since the 12th century, the profession of law has held a position of confidence and trust amongst the general public. When an attorney stands before a court system it is understood that he will represent his client to best of ability. An attorney’s character rests on his analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. At times, those skills could fall short and his ability to properly act on the behalf his the client will come into question. The essay will detail the general concept of attorney competence, disciplinary remedies in place to discourage this behavior, and what the paralegal can to maintain the integrate of the law office.

West’s Encyclopedia of American defines competence as, “possession necessary reasoning abilities or legal qualification; qualified; capable; sufficient.” It is immediately presumed that an attorney has, at a minimum, received a law school education and has passed his practicing state’s bar examination. The perspective attorney has been drilled and tested on various aspects of general law, his chosen specialty and possibly the psychological effects a trial of any kind could have on the mind as well as the body. Training at this level is designed to reassure the student that he is ready to go forth and achieve greatness. That can be a tall order for some aspiring attorneys. Instead of getting nervous, they should remember that they are not require to inventing the law, simply applying it to the client’s defense. When an attorney is confident in his ability to practice law it is a win-win situation for everyone. As stated by the ABA: “A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client.” An attorney must recognize that the foundation on which he stakes his...

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...tate of California, the State Bar's primary jurisdiction involves regulation of attorneys. However, it is authorized by statute to take limited action against non-attorneys under certain circumstances.

The number one difference between a paralegal and an attorney is the fact that a paralegal does not hold a license to practice law. Under the supervision an attorney, a paralegal can represent the client at a hearing add value to the practice, but ultimately, the attorney is responsible for the client and the product produced by the paralegal. The attorney- connection paralegal is a very important business relationship. Your paralegal is your office manger and should be treated as such. It takes a lot to manage the chaos for a law office and at times it can become very stressful. It is important to remember the paralegal is not an attorney and time is money.