What is the difference between a Legal Document Assistant and a Paralegal?
A Legal Document Assistant is not the same as a Paralegal. Pursuant to Business & Professions Code 6401(b), a paralegal does not have to register as a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) while acting on behalf of a member of the State Bar. In California, a Paralegal must meet minimum education requirements and maintain continuing education units while a Legal Document Assistant is not subject to such requirements. Under Business & Professions Code 6450 (e), a paralegal does not include a nonlawyer who provides legal services directly to members of the public, or a legal document assistant, or unlawful detainer assistant as defined in Section 6400. Business & Professions Code 6450 (f) requires legal document assistants to remove the word “paralegal” from their business name the next time they renew their LDA registration. This provision expires on January 1, 2004. Under 6450, it is unlawful for persons not qualified under the statute to identify themselves as paralegals in ads, or on cards,
