Time to expand paralegal standards?

The paralegal profession has grown over the last 30-plus years, and so has the responsibility for individual paralegals to aid lawyers in providing cost-effective legal services to their clients.

To keep pace with the paralegal profession, the Western New York Paralegal Association has worked toward its goals of maintaining high ethical standards for paralegals, educating the Western New York legal community in the effective utilization of paralegals, and promoting consumer awareness of the role of paralegals within the legal system. As the paralegal profession is growing, it is time to review the standards of the paralegal profession.

The need for regulating paralegals has been a debated issue and continues be a concern within the legal profession. There is agreement between paralegals and attorneys that utilization and supervision of paralegals and legal support staff are necessary to set the standards for the profession of paralegals. Paralegals have acknowledged that with increased levels of responsibility comes the need to define and enforce mandatory rules of professional conduct.

"Regulation of paralegals will assist in the expanding the roles and responsibilities of a paralegal, as well as set the standards for the paralegal profession by weeding out paralegals who do not have the education or experience," states Jennifer Dimitroff, a paralegal with Bond Schoeneck & King LLP. Patricia Koening, a paralegal with Gross Schuman Brizdle & Gilfillan PC, agrees that "regulation would set standards for the profession."

Regulation may drive paralegals with a strong educational background and talent to showcase their skills and succeed as paraprofessionals, therefore setting standards not only in education but in increased responsibilities for paralegals.

Regulation may expand the paralegal role as well as gauge the competency level of an experienced paralegal. Whether the standards are mandatory or voluntary, supplementing knowledge into expanding substantive tasks and responsibilities may be the key for professional growth and motivation for career paralegals.

-    By Laura Szychowski, paralegal at Phillips Lytle LLP, WNYPA first vice president for programming and bar liaison.

New Member Reception

WNYPA held its annual New Member ReceptionMarch 24 at Spot Coffee in downtown Buffalo. The reception for new paralegal members and WNYPA board members took place over finger sandwiches, desserts and specialty coffee drinks. New members received informational packets and a welcoming gift. The informal "after-hours" atmosphere encouraged discussions regarding WNYPA's activities and services, member benefits and an introduction to the leadership team. The exchange was rewarding for all involved. For more information about membership and joining WNYPA, contact Michelle Coxford at mcoxford@phillipslytle.com.

- By Michelle Coxford, Paralegal at Phillips Lytle LLP, WNYPA president and director of membership