Posted by FlaNotary2 on 3/4/11 12:05pm
Msg #375114

Florida bill for mandatory paralegal licensure

I am a member of the American Alliance of Paralegals, and I got a notice today that a bill was filed that would require anyone using the title "paralegal" to be licensed, or else held guilty of a third degree felony.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/1612

I support licensure. There are a lot of of "legal document assistants" who are holding themselves out as paralegals, when, in fact, the Florida Bar rules require that anyone using the title "paralegal" must be working under the supervision of a Florida attorney.

My concern is that I am a Florida Registered Paralegal (the only state-regulated certification for paralegals), and I paid $150 for the certification and must pay $150 a year to maintain it. I would hope that FRPs would be grandfathered into licensure in the event the requirements for FRPs were different from the requirements for licensed paralegals.

I know there are some paralegals and former paralegals on this board. Any comments?

Reply by BobbiCT on 3/4/11 12:46pm
Msg #375122

FL paralegal "license" v "registration"

I am sure that you are keeping in contact with NALA, which has a large membership presence in FL, versus NFPA (which I am a member, also a PACE RP).

I am sure NALA and its members are working toward a grandfather clause, since their CLA/RPs are Registered Paralegals, like you. I know a few FL RPs, all who work under the supervision of a FL attorney.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/4/11 1:06pm
Msg #375124

Big difference between a CLA and an FRP

CLA is a certification. The FRP is a registration program completely run by the Florida Bar - and all Florida attorneys must be bar members. A CLA can become an FRP, but an FRP is the only state-run credential for paralegals. I became an FRP by virtue of my years of paralegal experience combined with my AA degree. The qualifications are different for those with a CLA - I think you just need one or two years experience with a CLA to get registered.

And I'm fine with the FRP program. But it is expensive to register and to renew the registration. I don't see how they can have paralegal licensure without doing away with the FRP program. The only thing that would work would be to make all FRPs into licensed paralegals instantly.

I am not a member of the NALA, but I am a member of the American Alliance of Paralegals which is a smaller group with a lot of really active members.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/16/11 4:17pm
Msg #376393

I agree on Licensure...if you're not a Paralegal, then don't say you are, or indicate you work as one. Licensure w/an exam will definitely weed out the 'want-a-be's' for sure.

What I don't agree on is:

<<Florida Bar rules require that anyone using the title "paralegal" must be working under the supervision of a Florida attorney.>>

What crap! This is a cya clause for attorneys, so as to prevent freelance paralegals from 'competing' with attorneys for work.