Why Paralegals Cannot Sell “Paralegal Services” to the Public

Paralegal Services: Image of Justice Scales

When are Paralegals Services provided?

Many people are surprised to learn that paralegals are prohibited from marketing or selling paralegal services directly to the public. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the title paralegal may only be used when someone is working directly under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

If a person is not employed by an attorney, calling themselves a “paralegal” or advertising “paralegal services” can be considered the unauthorized practice of law, which is illegal.

What should non-attorney assistants call themselves?

People who assist with legal documents but who are NOT attorneys and are NOT working for one must refer to themselves as legal document preparers or legal document assistants.

This distinction is important:

• Paralegal = must work under an attorney

• Legal document preparer = can assist with forms only, not legal advice

What document preparers can help with

Legal document preparers may assist with:

• Small claims

• Simple divorces

• Evictions

• Adoptions

• Simple probates

• Immigration forms and more

These services involve preparing documents only—not giving legal advice or representation.

PennySmart Group assists clients throughout Southwest Florida

PennySmart Group is a legal document preparer working in Sarasota, DeSoto, Lee, and Charlotte Counties court systems and USCIS immigration cases nationally. We help with form preparation in a wide variety of legal and immigration matters. We do not offer legal advice, and we do not represent clients in court. Our role is strictly document preparation to make the process accurate, affordable, and stress-free.

Take action today

If you need help preparing legal documents anywhere in Sarasota, DeSoto, Lee, or Charlotte Counties, contact PennySmart Group today. Call 941-282-5787, chat with us online, or email info@pennysmartgroup.com to get started immediately.