It's Your Education, Make an Informed Choice.

No matter where someone works as a paralegal -- be it a large law firm or a legal-aid office -- everyone must adhere to the same code of ethics. These are rules that govern the way legal professionals must act toward their clients, their peers and the court of law. These rules are in place to protect the public from incompetent or uninformed legal professionals and to ensure these professionals act appropriately at all times. In this course, students will learn how legal professionals are regulated as well as examine the role of ethics and professional responsibility in the workplace.

Classmates will discuss why paralegals should NEVER discuss a client’s case with family or friends -- this type of behavior is strictly forbidden by the ethical rule requiring confidentiality of client information. If confidential client information gets in the wrong hands it can get an individual into big trouble with their boss or the client and could result in very serious consequences. Violating ethical rules could also put one’s superiors in jeopardy and even suspended from practicing law for a period of time. Individuals also run the risk of a possible criminal prosecution if they do not follow these rules.

Course Objectives

• By the end of this course, students will know more about the rule of confidentiality, as well as about other fundamental ethical rules relating to competence, conflict of interest, attorney-client privilege and the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). Students will know what they are, why they exist and most importantly, how they affect paralegals. Participants will visit various websites that show the ethical rules of their own state as well as those rules that affect paralegals on a national level. Students will discuss what they found and different ethical dilemmas faced by paralegals in class.