Paralegals and Making Access to Justice Effective (From Improving Access to Justice: The Future of Paralegal Professionals -- Conference Proceedings, 1990, Canberra, Australia, P 137-152, 1991, Julia Vernon and Francis Regan, eds. -- See NCJ-129734)

• NCJ Number: 129753
• Author(s): F Regan
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper addresses some practical issues regarding the future development of the paralegal profession in Australia.

Abstract

The debate about paralegals should not take place in a political and policy vacuum, since the most fundamental barrier to paralegals is political in nature. Lawyers are wary of paralegals who may be able to perform some of their work. Paralegal professionals should establish their own association to make decisions about appropriate levels of education and training, the extent of specialization, and industrial issues such as awards and conditions of service. There is a need for the development of lay legal advisors, advocates, and legal assistants. Research is needed into the use of paralegals and on why and how people use legal services. Attention must also be focused on the stance that a paralegal association and the paralegal profession adopt over deregulation of the traditional legal profession. The ultimate rationale for developing the paralegal profession in Australia is that paralegals will improve access to justice for the general population. The future legal needs of society will best be served if a partnership develops among paralegals, lawyers, trade unions, and other interest groups. Legal education courses for nonlawyers, or paralegals, are listed in an appendix. 26 references