A Professional Organization Consisting Of Legal Assistants In The United States As Well As In Canada, The National Federation Of Paralegal Association (NFPA) Adopted The Paralegal Ethics In May Of 1993. Formally Called As The Model Code Of Ethics And Professional Responsibility, It Aims To Define The Principles For Values And Conduct To Which Every Member Should Aspire.Section 1.1 Points Out That Among The Paralegal Ethics Is To Achieve And Maintain A High Level Of Competence. It Further Explained That One Shall Attain Competency Through Education, Training And Employment. He Or She Should Have At Least 12 Hours Of Continuing Legal Education Including 1 Hour Of Education On Morals Every 2 Years So That There Will Constant Track On The Developments In Law. Section 1.2 Points That Among The Paralegal Ethics Is To Uphold A High Level Of Personal And Professional Integrity. It Further Explained That Nobody Should Engage In Any Ex Parte Communications With The Inclusion Of The Adjudicatory Body In An Attempt To Put Forth Undue Influence. He Or She Should Not Keep In Touch With A Party That Is Represented By A Lawyer In A Case Not Yet Given Any Verdict Without Any Consent. He Or She Is Also Prohibited To Do Sham Billing Practices Such As Inflation Of Hours To Be Paid By The Client And Misrepresentation Of The Assignments Performed.Section 1.3 Points Out That Among The Paralegal Ethics Is To Preserve An Elevated Criterion Of Professional Conduct. It Further Explained That There Should Be Refraining From Any Behavior That Will Offend The Dignity And Decorum Of The Legal Proceedings. He Or She Should Also Avoid Impropriety That Would Significantly Affect His Or Her Fitness To The Practice. He Or She Should Also Address The Proper Authority Of Non- Confidential Knowledge Of Any Illegal Demonstrations Such As Fraud Or Deceit Done By A Colleague In The Field. Section 1.4 Points Out That Among The Paralegal Ethics Is To Serve The Public Interest By Helping In The Betterment Of The Judiciary System With The Delivery Of Quality Legal Assistance Including Pro Bono Publico. It Further Explained That There Should Be Sensitivity To The Needs Of The Clients By Promoting Programs To Counter The Situation. He Or She Should Join In Programs Geared Towards The Implementation Access To Justice, Law, Legal System Or Paralegal Professions. He Or She Should Also Be Available To Contribute At Least 24 Hours In A Year To Pro Bone Publico Services Under The Supervision Of A Lawyer. Section 1.5 Points Out That Among The Paralegal Ethics Is To Keep The Confidentiality Of Information Given By The Client All Throughout The Course Of The Professional Relationship. It Further Explained That There Should Be Awareness Of Carefully Abiding With The Legal Authority Governing The Essential Records In The Jurisdiction. He Or She Should Never Utilize The Any Private Statements To The Damage Of The Client. He Or She Can Only Disclose Any Matters With The Clients Permission Or As It Will Be Required By The Court As Well As When It Will Result To Committing A Criminal Act.
