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A legal assistant must adhere strictly to the accepted standards of legal ethics and to the general principles
of proper conduct. The performance of the duties of the legal assistant shall be governed by specific
canons as defined herein in order that justice will be served and goals of the profession attained.

The canons of ethics set forth hereafter are adopted by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. as
a general guide to aid legal assistants and attorneys. The enumeration of these rules does not mean
there are not others of equal importance although not specifically mentioned. Court rules, agency rules
and statutes must be taken into consideration when interpreting the canons.

A legal assistant must not perform any of the duties that attorneys only may perform nor take any actions
that attorneys may not take.

A legal assistant may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney as long
as the attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, and
assumes professional responsibility for the work product.

A legal assistant must not a) engage in, encourage or contribute to any act which could constitute the
unauthorized practice of law; b) establish attorney/client relationships, set fees, give legal opinions or advice
or represent a client before a court or agency unless so authorized by that court or agency; and c) engage in,
conduct or take any action which would assist or involve the attorney in a violation of professional ethics or
give the appearance of professional impropriety.

A legal assistant must use discretion and professional judgment commensurate with knowledge and
experience but must not render independent legal judgment in place of an attorney. The services of an
attorney are essential in the public interest whenever such legal judgment is required.

A legal assistant must disclose his or her status as a legal assistant at the outset of any professional
relationship with a client, attorney, a court or administrative agency or personnel thereof, or a member of
the general public. A legal assistant must act prudently in determining the extent to which a client may be
assisted without the presence of an attorney.

A legal assistant must strive to maintain integrity and a high degree of competency through education and
training with respect to professional responsibility, local rules and practice and through continuing education in
substantive areas of law to better assist the legal profession in fulfilling its duty to provide legal services.

A legal assistant must protect the confidences of a client and must not violate any rule or statute now in effect
or hereafter enacted controlling the doctrine of privileged communications between a client and an attorney.

A legal assistant must do all other things incidental, necessary or expedient for the attainment of the ethics
and responsibilities as defined by statute or rule of court.

A legal assistant's conduct is guided by bar associations' codes of professional responsibility and rules of
professional conduct.

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