What is a Legal Document Assistant?
Legal Document Assistants are regulated by California Business & Professions Code 6400, et seq. Under 6400(c), a legal document assistant is any person who is not exempt under Section 6401 and who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing himself or herself in a legal matter, or who holds himself or herself out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. The code section does not apply to an individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services.
Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1st, 2000, only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are now officially known as Legal Document Assistants (LDA’s). ((B&PC Section 6400), California SB 1418) LDA’s have the same educational background as a paralegal and are REQUIRED by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business. Please Note: A Legal Document Assistant is NOT a Lawyer. By law, they cannot give you legal advice or represent you in the courts in any matter. If you need to consult with an attorney, your LDA will be able to provide you with a referral. CALDA – The California Association of Legal Document Assistants (www.CALDA.org) always suggests that you be sure to ask the LDA you are thinking of retaining if he or she is bonded and registered in their county. This is for yo
A “Legal document assistant” is any person who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing themselves in a legal matter, or who holds themselves out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. This shall not apply to any individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services.
