This bill would prohibit a paralegal from performing various acts, including giving legal advice, representing a client in court, and acting as a runner or capper. This bill would make an attorney using a paralegal s services liable for the negligence or misconduct of the paralegal. This bill would provide for the recovery of attorney s fees in a civil action brought in connection with a violation of these provisions. Because a violation of the bill s provisions would be punishable as an infraction or as a misdemeanor, as specified, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. In connection with providing paralegal services, induce a person to make an investment, purchase a financial product or service, or enter a transaction from which income or profit, or both, purportedly may be derived. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003. All paralegals shall be required to certify completion every three years of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics. All continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of Section 6070.