Florida Reveals Registered Paralegal Program

The Florida Registered Paralegal Program is in effect. Around 300 applications have already been acquired, and more will be downloaded today from the Florida Bar's Web site.

In addition, there is a $150 application fee. Approved applicants will receive notification certificates and welcome packets in approximately two weeks via mail. This particular program sets up a two-tier system for paralegals, and also engenders a disciplinary system for Code of Ethics and Responsibility.

The first tier covers paralegals with education, training or work experience that, under the supervision of lawyers, perform delegated, substantive work for which the lawyers are responsible.

Tier two paralegals must satisfy education and work experience requirements or possess certifications from either the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

Also, for the first three years of the program, paralegals who show substantial experience but who don't meet the education or certification requirements will be able to become Florida Registered Paralegals under a grand fathering clause.

Anyone receiving the designation will be listed on the Florida Bar Web site.

To be a Florida paralegal, 30 hours of education in three years will be needed over three years, out of which five hours will be dedicated to professionalism or ethics courses.

The new Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar

Duties paralegals may perform or fees that can be charged or awarded for the work paralegals do are not issues dealt with in establishing the program. In all states, including Florida, attorneys are required to oversee all work in which the paralegals carry out, and are responsible for their actions.