Litigation Paralegal — Ethics & Professional Responsibility

[Description] Learn about the critical importance of confidentiality in legal practice. Understand the definition of attorney-client privilege, its scope, and how it protects client information. Explore practical examples of maintaining confidentiality in various situations. - Resources: - Read a summary of Attorney-Client Privilege (search online or consult a legal textbook - look for introductory chapters). - Review examples of privileged and non-privileged communications. - Activities: - Explain the difference between confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. - Describe how to handle client information safely (e.g., electronic communication, document storage). - Expected Outcome: Understand the importance of client confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and how to protect confidential information.

[Description] Learn about the concept of conflicts of interest. Understand how conflicts can arise and their potential impact on the client and the firm. Learn to recognize potential conflicts and understand the paralegal's role in their identification and management. - Resources: - Read articles and summaries about conflicts of interest in law. Many law firms have their own internal guidelines available online. - Research specific examples of conflicts of interest in legal cases. - Activities: - Define "conflict of interest." - Identify potential conflicts in given hypothetical scenarios. - Expected Outcome: Develop the ability to identify potential conflicts of interest and understand the basic steps involved in their resolution.

[Description] Learn about the ethical obligation of competence. Understand the importance of performing work diligently and thoroughly. Learn about the significance of continuing professional development. - Resources: - Review model rules of professional conduct regarding competence and diligence. - Research various methods paralegals can use to maintain competence. - Activities: - Describe how a paralegal can demonstrate competence in their daily tasks. - Discuss the importance of time management and organization in diligent work. - Expected Outcome: Grasp the ethical requirements for competence and diligence and how these qualities contribute to a paralegal’s ethical responsibilities.

[Description] Learn about the importance of effective and truthful communication. Understand the ethical obligations related to communicating with clients, opposing counsel, and the court. - Resources: - Review examples of effective legal communication (e.g., letters, emails). - Research ethical guidelines regarding communicating with opposing parties. - Activities: - Explain the importance of truthfulness in communication. - Identify potential pitfalls in written and verbal communication within a legal context. - Expected Outcome: Understand the ethical obligations regarding effective and truthful communication in all legal settings.

[Description] Learn about the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and how to avoid it. Identify the boundaries of a paralegal's role and when it is necessary to seek guidance from an attorney. - Resources: - Research the definition of the unauthorized practice of law in your jurisdiction. - Explore examples of what paralegals can and cannot do independently. - Activities: - Describe what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. - Provide examples of tasks a paralegal can and cannot perform without attorney supervision. - Expected Outcome: Understand the importance of avoiding the unauthorized practice of law and the limits of a paralegal's role.

[Description] Review ethical considerations in specific areas of the litigation process, such as discovery, trial preparation, and settlement negotiations. Summarize key ethical obligations and reflect on the learning experience. - Resources: - Review examples of ethical considerations in discovery and trial preparation (online articles or paralegal guides). - Summarize key ethical concepts learned over the week. - Activities: - Prepare a summary of the most important ethical concepts learned during the week. - Discuss any areas needing further clarification or exploration. - Expected Outcome: Gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical responsibilities throughout the litigation process and develop confidence in ethical decision-making.