State Bar of California May Permit Nonlawyers to Provide Legal Advice

The State Bar of California's California Paraprofessional Program Working Group has submitted a plan that would permit legal paraprofessionals to provide legal advice, represent clients in court in certain situations, and conduct other business typically handled by attorneys. Paraprofessionals would need to meet specific educational, training, and other requirements, and would be able to work only in certain practice areas or geographic regions. The goal of the proposal is to address a gap in legal service needs for many Californians, such as those who do not qualify for legal aid but are otherwise unable to afford attorneys' fees. Similar programs exist in Washington state, Utah, and Arizona. See ABA Journal.