nonlawyers

Nonlawyers are individuals who are not licensed to practice law. The term covers a broad range of roles that support legal services but do not themselves provide legal advice or represent clients in court in most jurisdictions. Typical nonlawyers include paralegals and legal assistants, law students who have not been admitted to the bar, corporate compliance staff, contract managers, consultants, and notaries who perform notarial acts but are not qualified to practice law.

Paralegals and legal assistants perform research, draft documents, organize case files, and manage investigations under supervision of licensed attorneys. Law students and graduates may gain practical experience through clinics or internships, but may not practice independently. Notaries authenticate signatures and verify identities, but generally do not provide legal advice.

Regulation varies by country and region. In many places the practice of law is restricted to licensed attorneys, and giving legal advice to a client or representing a client in court without authorization is the unauthorized practice of law. Some jurisdictions have specific rules for the conduct of nonlawyers and require supervision by lawyers. Notaries are typically regulated separately from lawyers.

In recent years, alternative legal service providers and technology-enabled services have expanded the involvement of nonlawyer professionals in some legal tasks, aiming to reduce costs and improve access to services. Critics caution that quality, confidentiality, and ethical considerations must be managed carefully.