what is the difference between a paralegal land a egal document assistant?
Asked by Desiree M
I need to know for a paper I am writing for class what the differences are between a legal document assistant and a paralegal. Were are especially looking at Bus & Professions code 6400 & 6450 for CA law, but general explanation is fine. I have read the statutes & to be honest I still don't get it.

Best Answer:
In California, a paralegal has to meet certain requirements in order to hold himself/herself out as a paralegal. My explanation is in brackets in the B&P code. B&P 6450: A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following: 1. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association [SO A CERTIFICATE, RATHER THAN AN AA OR BA IS SUFFICIENT]. 2. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education [AGAIN, A CERTIFICATE IS SUFFICIENT HERE]. 3. A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks [BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ANY SUBJECT PLUS ONE YEAR'S OF EXPERIENCE IN A LAW FIRM - EVEN A SOLO PRACTITIONER; HOWEVER, THIS REQUIRES A WRITTEN DECLARATION UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY BY THE ATTORNEY]. 4. A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003. [NOTHING REQUIRED OTHER THAN H.S. OR GED + 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE; ALSO NEED DECLARATION FROM ATTORNEY] A legal document assistant is defined in B& P 6400 as follows: (c) "Legal document assistant" means: (1) Any person who is not exempted 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. This paragraph does not apply to any individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services. (2) A corporation, partnership, association, or other entity that employs or contracts with any person not exempted under Section 6401 who, as part of his or her responsibilities, 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 holds himself or herself out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. This paragraph does not apply to an individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services. It seems to me that the legal document assistant helps the public by completing documents but DOESN'T have to have the educational requirements that a paralegal has. Hope this helps. Example of legal document assistants - they can probably be found in the self-help centers "We the People," etc. I should also note that most paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and are assigned tasks by an attorney but a legal document assistant usually works for himself/herself.

A legal document assistant is most likely the employees at places like "The Divorce Store" where they help you fill out forms. They could or could not have any legal background or education. A paralegal works under direct supervision of an attorney and is qualified via education or experience.
Answered by ☆R☆