A Paralegal is someone who works for and is supervised by an attorney. By law a paralegal cannot be contracted by someone other than an attorney, this includes the general public. The “Illegal Paralegal” is someone who is preparing documents for the general public and is not a Registered and Bonded Legal Document Assistant. Paralegals do not have the same legal requirements as LDAs.

Legal Document Assistant, LDA is a paralegal who registers at the county recorder’s office, as an LDA, and files a bond. A Legal Document Assistant can be contracted by the general public and consumers to prepare legal documents at the client’s direction. An LDA has special training and certifications, such as graduating from an ABA Approved Legal Assisting Program. They are also required to maintain continuing education credits.

Legal Document Assistants are professionals that are legally able to prepare legal documents at the client’s direction. An LDA is able to prepare legal documents without the direct supervision of an attorney, unlike a Paralegal. However, neither an LDA or a Paralegal are attorneys and cannot represent you in court.