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PREAMBLE
Ethics embody the principles
of conduct expected to be followed in a professional activity. The Illinois
Paralegal Association, hereinafter "Association," recognizes the importance
of ethical standards to the paralegal profession. The Association's Board
of Directors commissioned an Ethics Task Force to create a practical
guide that would assist the paralegal in understanding ethical concepts
and how to avoid ethical infractions.
The ethical characterizations
of The Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics are consistent with the
Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Illinois Supreme
Court for attorneys. The Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics is intended
to assist the paralegal to understand jurisdictional standards of ethical
responsibility and to enhance the quality of the delivery of legal services.
Paralegal
Ethics Task Force
The Ethics Task Force consisted
of legal scholars and practitioners familiar with the enforcement of disciplinary
rules, two authors of a textbook on paralegal ethics and paralegalslegal
assistants with diverse legal backgrounds. The Task Force reviewed the
Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, NFPA; The Code of
Ethics and Professional Responsibility, NALA; The American Bar Association's
Code of Professional Responsibility; and, the Illinois Supreme Court Rules
of Professional Conduct, as guidelines to develop a unique jurisdictional
authority governing ethical obligations and professional responsibility
for paralegals.
The Illinois Code of Paralegal
Ethics consists of rules set forth in lettered subsections with commentary.
The rules are authoritative to the extent that they mirror the Illinois
Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct. The Commentary is by explanation
and example guidance with respect to the purpose and meaning of the rules.
The Commentary is not intended as a statement of additional rules.
The Illinois Code of Paralegal
Ethics is not intended as an exhaustive guide for the conduct of paralegals.
Paralegals must continue to pursue familiarity and knowledge regarding
ethical obligations and professional conduct. "The attorney instructed
me to do it", is no longer acceptable rationalism regarding ethical responsibility.
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