Does Paralegal-Client Privilege Exist? According to the American Bar Association Rules for Professional Conduct 5.3 it does.
The attorney-client privilege and the corresponding ethical obligations of client confidentiality extends to the paralegal and all non–lawyers working on the case. The Paralegal-client privilege is an extension of the attorney-client privilege.
So, Paralegals are Required to Uphold Client Privilege.
While paralegals are barred from being a participant of the attorney-client privilege, they must behave in a manner that upholds and protects the rights held between an attorney and a client. Paralegals are legally and ethically required to do so.
ABA Model Rule 5.3, applies to all non-lawyer assistants and verifies that anyone working under the direction of a lawyer must make assurances that their, “conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer.”
In case you didn’t know – now you know.
***
For more resources visit our Resource Center.
Visit our Shop to check out our new collection of legal swag.
