What must paralegals disclose at the beginning of a professional relationship?

In a professional relationship, it is essential for paralegals to disclose their nonlawyer status. This disclosure is critical because it sets clear boundaries regarding the paralegal's role and the services they can provide. Clients and other parties must understand that a paralegal is not licensed to practice law and that they cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in legal matters. By clarifying their position as nonlawyers, paralegals help maintain transparency and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

While sharing information about educational background, work experience, or personal goals may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not have the same fundamental importance as disclosing nonlawyer status. The primary focus of this disclosure is to protect both the paralegal and the client by ensuring that the client is fully aware of who they are working with and the limits of the paralegal's capabilities in legal matters.