Posted by Riley/FL on 7/2/09 7:09am
Msg #294327

What's the difference between..

a paralegal and a legal assistant? Just curious.

Reply by PAW on 7/2/09 7:25am
Msg #294328

Most articles and opinions that I have read state there is little to no difference between the two; that they are pretty much synonymous terms. However, ezinearticles (see link below) has an interesting take on the differences.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Difference-Between-Paralegal-and-Legal-Assistant&id=898132

Reply by Kay/IL on 7/2/09 7:51am
Msg #294337

The terms are interchangeable n/m

Reply by AIMM PARALEGAL SERVICES - Cari Rivera on 7/2/09 7:27am
Msg #294329

Experience & Education I think.....

But I have been a paralegal since 1988....but, at that time, the Paralegal profession was just starting to get "popular" (really started in the mid-to-late 70's)

I started, like many, even though I was educated and had a degree as a Paralegal, as a legal secretary, had to work my way up..... then as I went on to work for other attorneys, I started marketing myself as a Paralegal...

Now, I work for myself, run an independent paralegal firm here in Chicago, threes now, whoo hooo....and am quite content!

Competition is so fierce nowadays, its ridiculous! And the education is NOT the same!

Reply by AIMM PARALEGAL SERVICES - Cari Rivera on 7/2/09 7:28am
Msg #294330

sorry for the typo....too early for me... n/m

Reply by tonya/AL on 7/2/09 7:57am
Msg #294338

Re: Experience & Education I think.....

I think it also depends on your geographic location and career industry as to how much weight is given to the title "paralegal" vs. "lending assistant". I completed my Paralegal in 1996 but have never worked in an attorney's office. All of my experience as a paralegal has been within the banks' lending & legal departments. Sometimes the "difference" can be as much as $20,000 in salary per year & the amount of headache.

Reply by AIMM PARALEGAL SERVICES - Cari Rivera on 7/2/09 7:30am
Msg #294332

why do you ask? n/m

Reply by Riley/FL on 7/2/09 11:55am
Msg #294389

Re: why do you ask?

Several reasons. Thank you all so very much for the all the info.

Reply by PAW on 7/2/09 8:06am
Msg #294343

Florida has considered licensing paralegals...

... but hasn't got the details worked out yet.

The following is from the Florida Bar Association:

The Florida Bar does not license paralegals. But on March 1, 2008, the voluntary Florida Registered Paralegal Program went into effect. As of June 30, 2008, 1,889 paralegals had become Florida Registered Paralegals. The program provides for voluntary registration of paralegals who meet minimum educational, certification or work experience and who agree to abide by an established code of ethics. For the first three years of the program, paralegals who are able to show substantial experience, but who don't meet the education or certification requirements, will be able to become Florida Registered Paralegals under a grandfathering provision. The new Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar establishing the program does not set forth the duties paralegals may perform or deal with the fees that can be charged or awarded for the work they do. The primary responsibility for monitoring the work of paralegals -- whether Florida Registered Paralegals or not -- rests with the attorneys who employ or supervise them. Additionally, The Florida Bar has been given the authority to investigate and prosecute the unlicensed practice of law. This may include activities performed by nonlawyers who call themselves paralegals. Under Florida Bar rules approved by the Supreme Court of Florida, only a nonlawyer who is working under the direction and supervision of a member of The Florida Bar may use the title paralegal. A nonlawyer who is not working for a lawyer and uses this title is engaging in the unlicensed practice of law. If you have questions regarding the unlicensed practice of law or if you wish to file a complaint against someone practicing law without a license, you may contact the Bar's UPL Department at 850-561-5840.
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It is important to note that: "Under Florida Bar rules approved by the Supreme Court of Florida, only a nonlawyer who is working under the direction and supervision of a member of The Florida Bar may use the title paralegal. A nonlawyer who is not working for a lawyer and uses this title is engaging in the unlicensed practice of law.

Reply by Cari on 7/2/09 10:45am
Msg #294383

Licensing would be interesting...and would be okay with me..

It would mean that we would FINALLY give lawyers a run for their money! Not to mention our rates would go up, though not abusively.

Right now, I'm a glorified legal documentation processor...who happens to be a paralegal....

Should NSA's get licensed...now that's a question!

Reply by Robert/FL on 7/2/09 10:46am
Msg #294384

Re: Florida has considered licensing paralegals...

There is really no difference between paralegal and legal assistant, although in my opinion, using the title of paralegal insinuates that you have significant experience in the legal industry.

In Florida, we have a "Registered" Paralegal program. You can become registered by experience or education. However, you do not have to be registered to be a Paralegal, and you do not have to have a "CLA" designation to be a legal assistant.