Committee to Study Paralegal Regulation sets October 28 public hearing in Tampa.On October 28, The Florida Bar The Florida Bar is the mandatory state bar association for the state of Florida. It is the third largest such bar association in the United States. Its duties include the regulation and discipline of attorneys. Special Committee to Study Paralegal paralegal n. a non-lawyer who performs routine tasks requiring some knowledge of the law and procedures, employed by a law office or who works free-lance as an independent for various lawyers. Regulation will hold a public hearing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. EST EST electroshock therapy. EST abbr. electroshock therapy , at the Tampa Airport Marriott Hotel. Attendees will need to check at the front desk for the room assignment as it was not made at the time of this notice. The special committee is charged with the study of the status of paralegals in the state of Florida in light of the proposed legislation filed during the 2005 legislative session which sought recognition and/or regulation of the paralegal profession. The charge relates to paralegals working under the direction and supervision of a member of The Florida Bar. Current Bar rules define a paralegal as a person qualified by education, training, or work experience, who works under the supervision of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is responsible. The charge of the Special Committee does not relate to the unlicensed practice of law, and testimony regarding the unlicensed practice of law will not be taken at the hearing. The hearing will focus on the following issues: * Public Policy Issues such as whether it is in the public interest to establish educational and ethical standards for persons using the title paralegal. If so, should the standards be voluntary or mandatory? * Definitional Issues such as what problems will be resolved if there is paralegal regulation, and whether the current Florida Bar definition is sufficient and accurate? * Design Issues such as if standards are established, who should make the determination that the paralegal has met the standards--the supervising attorney or another body such as The Florida Bar? Should a grievance griev·ance n. 1. a. An actual or supposed circumstance regarded as just cause for complaint. b. A complaint or protestation based on such a circumstance. See Synonyms at injustice. 2. system be established? Should a distinction be made between the terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant?" Should there be multiple status levels for paralegals? * Implementation Issues In the Business world, companies frequently set-up a connection between which they transfer data. When the connection is being set-up, it is referred to as implementation. When issues occur during this phase, they are known as implementation issues. such as who will bear the cost of a regulatory scheme? What should be the composition of the regulatory body--all paralegals, all lawyers, nonlawyers who are not paralegals, or a combination? * Ancillary Subordinate; aiding. A legal proceeding that is not the primary dispute but which aids the judgment rendered in or the outcome of the main action. A descriptive term that denotes a legal claim, the existence of which is dependent upon or reasonably linked to a main claim. Issues such as should there be regulation regarding what paralegal fees may be charged and recovered as part of attorneys' fees? Should there be more standardization standardization In industry, the development and application of standards that make it possible to manufacture a large volume of interchangeable parts. Standardization may focus on engineering standards, such as properties of materials, fits and tolerances, and drafting in the educational institutions offering paralegal studies? Should the requirements for paralegals to be an affiliate member in certain Bar sections be standardized standardized pertaining to data that have been submitted to standardization procedures. standardized morbidity rate see morbidity rate. standardized mortality rate see mortality rate. ? Due to the number of issues to be covered and the anticipated participation, the time for testimony will be limited. While it is not necessary to register for the hearing beforehand, if you are planning to testify To provide evidence as a witness, subject to an oath or affirmation, in order to establish a particular fact or set of facts. Court rules require witnesses to testify about the facts they know that are relevant to the determination of the outcome of the case. please contact Lori S. Holcomb, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee 32399-2300 or via e-mail at scspr@flabar.org by Monday October 24. If you cannot attend the hearing but wish to submit written comments for the special committee's consideration, send them to Holcomb at the above address by October 19. You may also bring written comments to the hearing. |
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