Legal Question in Legal Malpractice in California

Attorney Vs. Paralegal

The person I am getting legal service from and legal advice, represented himself as an attorney. Turns out he isn't an attorney. I'm not sure if he is a paralegal.

1.Does a paralegal need some form of license or certification?

2.How would I find out if he is certified?

3.Wouldn't he be misrepresenting himself if he presented himself as an attorney, also his business card says he is an attorney?

4.Can he provide legal services using someone elses license?

5.Would I have to meet the licensee, in order receive the legal services?

Thanks in advance!


Asked on 9/21/01, 8:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Attorney Vs. Paralegal

It is against the law for any non-attorney to give legal advice or to represent someone in court. To find out if some one is an attorney you can look up their name at www.calbar.org. as far as being a paralegal, there is no such thing. It is a title people give themselves. There are some schools that will give you a certificate but it has no legal effect. If he gave you a card saying he is an attorney and he is not he is committing a crime and you can sue him for fraud.

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Answered on 10/17/01, 5:01 pm
Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: Attorney Vs. Paralegal

There is a certification process for paralegals, and recent legislation that defines a paralegal and further describes the duties of paralegals. While one does not need certification, they are required to work under the supervision of an attorney.

They could provide service with the supervision of a licensed attorney, including interviewing a client, but the attorney is ultimately responsible for the actions of a paralegal. Even with certification, a person cannot call herself a paralegal unless she is working under an attorney's supervision.

I do not have the reference to the code with me at the moment, but if you would like is, send me an email.

If the individual is representing herself as an attorney, you have a civil cause of action, and they could be prosecuted criminally.

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Answered on 10/17/01, 6:27 pm


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