LEGAL 214 - Legal Ethics

1. Analyze and discuss the ethical standards and rules of professional conduct that govern paralegals and other legal professionals. [REASON]
2. Analyze and discuss the methods for resolving potential conflicts of interest and other types of everyday ethical dilemmas faced by paralegals. [REASON]
3. Access and use relevant print and electronic sources of authority including Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs), ethics opinions, and case law to research answers to resolve ethical issues and dilemmas faced by paralegals. [REASON]
4. Explain and apply the ethical rules and procedures required to protect confidentiality and to avoid conflicts of interest. [REASON]
5. Analyze and explain the similarities and difference between the rule of confidentiality, the attorney-client privilege, and the work product rule. [REASON]
6. Describe what constitutes the practice of law and identify methods to avoid engaging in the Unauthorized Practice of Law. (UPL). [REASON]
7. Describe the limitations on attorney advertising and solicitation of clients, and how to avoid violations when using electronic communications such as emails, websites, and blogs. [REASON]
8. Describe the various types of fees used by attorneys, limitations on use of various fees, how client funds must be handled, and requirements for IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) trust accounts. [REASON]
9. Describe the current issues involving paralegal licensing at the state and national levels and the legal technician rule in Washington. [EXPLORE]
10. Describe the relationship and interactions among attorneys, paralegals, state bar associations, the American Bar Association, state legislatures, courts, and national paralegal associations. [REASON]