Florida Unveils a Paralegal Program
Today, the Florida Registered Paralegal Program has been launched. It is expected, that in addition to the approximately 300 people who have already requested the application, many more will be downloading it today from the Florida Bar’s website.
An applicant will also have to pay an application charge of $150.00. In about two weeks, approved applicants will receive notifications with certificates and welcome packets via mail. A two tier system for paralegals, along with a disciplinary system and a Code of Ethics and Responsibility, is established by the program.
Paralegals in the first tier are those who have some education, training, or work experience under their belts. These paralegals perform delegated, substantive duties and are supervised by lawyers who assume responsibility for the paralegals.
Second tier paralegals must either meet the educational and work experience requirements or be certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Additionally, under a grandfathering provision, paralegals who are able to show substantial experience for the first three years of the program, but who don’t meet the education or certification requirements, will still be able to become Florida Registered Paralegals.
The Florida Bar website lists all those who receive this designation.
In order for someone to be allowed to remain a Florida Registered Paralegal, they most complete at least thirty hours of continuing education coursework during every three year period, while having five of those hours in ethics or professionalism courses.
In the future, the attorneys who hire and manage Florida Registered Paralegals will continue to be held accountable for overseeing the work of the paralegals.
