What ethical codes and rules regulate the conduct of paralegals, and, briefly, what are the origins of paralegal ethical codes? Who must comply with paralegal codes of ethics?

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Answer 1

Paralegals are regulated indirectly, rather than directly, and in several ways. The ethical codes for attorneys indirectly regulate the conduct of paralegals. Additionally, paralegal conduct is regulated indirectly by standards and guidelines created by paralegal professional groups, as well as guidelines for the utilization of paralegals developed by the American Bar Association and various states.
The two major national paralegal associations in the United States, NFPA and NALA, were formed to define and represent paralegal professional interests on a national level. Shortly after they were formed, both of these associations adopted codes of ethics defining the ethical responsibilities of paralegals. In 1977, NFPA adopted its first code of ethics, called the Affirmation of Responsibility. The code has since been revised several times, and its current title is the Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement. In 1975, NALA issued its Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which, like NFPA's code, has since undergone several revisions.
Paralegal codes of ethics state the ethical responsibilities of paralegals generally, but they particularly apply to members of paralegal organizations that have adopted the codes. Any paralegal who is a member of an organization that has adopted one of these codes is expected to comply with the code's requirements. Compliance with these codes is not legally mandatory. In other words, if a paralegal does not abide by a particular ethical standard of a paralegal association's code of ethics, the association cannot initiate state-sanctioned disciplinary proceedings against the paralegal. The association can, however, expel the paralegal from the association, which may have significant implications for the paralegal's future career opportunities.