NCJ Number
62832
Journal
Florida Bar Journal Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1979) Pages: 8-12
Date Published
1979
Length
5 pages
Annotation
STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE FOR FLORIDA'S LEGAL ASSISTANTS ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL ASSISTANTS, INC. DETAILS STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR LEGAL ASSISTANTS. FLORIDA LEGAL ASSISTANTS, INC. SUPPORTS AND ENDORSES THIS CODE AND PRESENTS IT AS A BASIC GUIDELINE FOR ETHICAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL ASSISTANTS HAS SET GUIDELINES FOR THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS EXPECTED OF THE LEGAL ASSISTANT, AND BOTH FLORIDA LEGAL ASSISTANTS AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL ASSISTANTS HAVE USED THESE GUIDELINES AS THEIR BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOGNITION OF THE LEGAL ASSISTANT AND AS A PREREQUISITE FOR MEMBERSHIP. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS HAVE ALSO RECOGNIZED THE VALIDITY OF THESE GUIDELINES AND HAVE USED THEM IN DESIGNING COURSE CONTENT. FLORIDA LEGAL ASSISTANTS HAS ALSO EMBARKED ON A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DESIGNED TO BENEFIT THE ATTORNEY, THE LEGAL ASSISTANT, AND THE PUBLIC. THE PROGRAM NOT ONLY TESTS THE LEGAL ASSISTANT'S ABILITY TO PERFORM AS REQUIRED, BUT ALSO ENCOURAGES CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF COMPETENCY. ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED. (RCB)