A paralegal was laid off during the recent economic downturn. Resentful that attorneys were still charging exorbitant fees and that very few associates were laid off, the paralegal joined an online service for individuals seeking freelance work. On this website, individuals seeking work bid on jobs posted by others seeking to hire someone. The paralegal sees several jobs posted that seek the assistance of a paralegal, but none of these "employers" state that they are licensed attorneys. In fact, in some cases, the "employer" clearly is not an attorney. Nonetheless, the paralegal is certain she can adequately and professionally complete each of the jobs posted. If the paralegal bids on and is awarded one of the jobs, can the paralegal accept the job and complete the work?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

No, because accepting the job and performing the work would be unauthorized practice of law. A person engages in the unauthorized practice of law if the person is not licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction and provides legal services to a client in that jurisdiction. Answer C is the best choice because the unauthorized practice of law issue prevents the paralegal from accepting the job. Answer A is not the best choice because unauthorized practice of law is a criminal and legal matter and not a matter that can be waived by the client. Answer B is not the best choice because the paralegal would still be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and because the attorney does not have a direct relationship with the client." Answer D is not the best choice because any misrepresentation by the "employer" is not relevant.

A Paralegal Was Laid Off During the Recent Economic Downturn