What's the Difference Between a Paralegal & an LDA?

The Difference Between a Paralegal and an LDA
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What is a paralegal? - Paralegals are individuals who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Paralegals cannot provide legal services for personal monetary gain nor give legal advice to consumers. Legal advice may only be relied upon if given by an attorney. All states require attorneys to be licensed and most have statutes imposing penalties for the unauthorized practice of law. Paralegals are also persons who are qualified by education, training or work experience and are employed or retained by an attorney, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entities who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible. Under California Business & Professions Code § 6454, the terms "paralegal," "legal assistant," "attorney assistant," "freelance paralegal," "independent paralegal," and "contract paralegal" are synonymous. However, in order for a paralegal to carry the LDA title, they MUST register as an LDA in their county recorder's office.

What is an LDA? - An LDA is a individual that has: (1) received specialized training through formal education or many years of experience; (2) worked under the supervision and direction of an attorney; and (3) performed non-clerical, substantive legal work in assisting an attorney. LDAs are NOT attorneys, and do NOT provide legal advice or practice law whatsoever. LDAs are experienced professionals who are authorized to prepare and assist with legal documents at the direction of "pro per" individuals (or litigants). Pro Per litigants are consumers who handle their own legal matters without the costly attorneys fees. If you wish to obtain an attorney, you may obtain information from the Los Angeles County Bar Association, www.lacba.org, Legal Aid of California,www.legalaidcalifornia.com, California State Bar, www.calbar.org or any legal services office of your choice regarding free or low-cost representation.