Presents the laws and regulations of paralegals, attorneys, and non-attorney employees in the legal industry while emphasizing professional and ethical responsibilities. Examines portions of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and focuses on the unauthorized practice of law, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, advertising and solicitation, and the handling of client funds.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Professional Legal and Paralegal Organizations
Explain the role of professional organizations such as the ABA and NALA in regulating and certifying paralegals.
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Describe the ethical rules and regulations for paralegals and other non-attorney employees in the legal industry.
Identify what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
Identify the legal rules of client confidentiality.
Identify the legal rules of conflicts of interest.
Explain the limits of advertising and solicitation in the legal industry.
Explain the process of managing client funds. - Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace
Identify and resolve ethical dilemmas that paralegals may confront in the workplace.
- Consequences of Ethical Misconduct
Identify the consequences of ethical misconduct.
- Continuing Legal Education for Paralegals
Explain the importance of continuing legal education for paralegals.
Assessment and Requirements
Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.