Which statement is accurate regarding the role of legal assistants?

Legal assistants are indeed held to the same ethical standards as attorneys. This underscores the professionalism and responsibility inherent in their roles. They are required to adhere to ethical guidelines that govern the legal profession, which helps maintain the integrity of legal work and fosters trust between clients and the legal team. This means that legal assistants must act with competence, diligence, and courtesy, and they should avoid conflicts of interest while safeguarding client confidentiality.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the role of legal assistants. They are not exempt from professional guidelines; instead, they must follow the ethical standards that guide legal practitioners. Legal assistants do not practice law independently, as they work under the supervision of licensed attorneys, and their duties typically do not include representing clients in legal matters. While they play a crucial role in supporting legal teams, their involvement in client representation is limited and usually occurs under the guidance of a qualified lawyer.