They may want to try to save the marriage, and find it uncomfortable to act as an advocate for only one side. Paralegals also understand the ethical duties involved in dealing with clients. Burrows said that when she designed the curriculum for the Legal Therapy Institute, she borrowed from various paralegal model codes of ethics. This is a specialty area that could greatly enhance the practice of law and expand the role paralegals play in it. Lawyers have just recently recognized the value of using nurses in their practices.
Legal nurses are valuable because of a combination of medical and legal training.
Imagine what these talented individuals can offer to any case involving medical issues. The same can be true of paralegals who have a mental health care background. Using legal nurses and LTCs on staff or as consultants frees the lawyer to practice law, and provides the client with expert assistance not previously provided. According to Burrows, there are a number of firms nationwide that currently employ LTCs. The firms range from large practices to solo practitioners.