Definition of a Paralegal

The statutory definition of the paralegal/legal assistant titles was created recently in 2000 with the passage of AB 1761, now codified as California Business and Professions Code sections 6450 et seq.

6450. (a) “Paralegal” means a person who holds himself or herself out to be a paralegal, who is qualified by education, training, or work experience, who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity, and who performs substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California, as defined in Section 6060, or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state, that has been specifically delegated by the attorney to him or her."