Ethics for Paralegals

Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association

Ethics for paralegals – the unauthorized practice of law; the proposed Supreme Court amendment considering the expansion of paraprofessional roles; and AI and how it can lead to the unauthorized practice of law.

Learning Objectives:

1. The core ethical obligation is public protection: only licensed lawyers may perform legal tasks that require professional judgment or interpretation of law.
2. Supreme Courts remain cautious, emphasizing training, oversight, and accountability frameworks to preserve ethical standards and limit risk.
3. When nonlawyers use AI to assist others, they may unintentionally engage in unauthorized practice of law, even if no payment or intent to deceive exists.

CLE Hours = 1 Legal Ethics