Exam (elaborations) Introduction to Paralegalism: Perspectives, Proble

Introduction to Paralegalism: Perspectives, Problems, and Skills

Key Legal Terms and Concepts

1. Legal Representation & Client Relationships

 Letter of Nonengagement – A letter sent to a prospective client
stating that the law office will not represent them.

 Time-Barred – Prevented from filing a lawsuit due to the expiration of
the statute of limitations.

 Bundled Legal Services – Full representation covering all legal tasks
for a client.

 Unbundled Legal Services – Limited-scope representation where the
client is charged per task.

2. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

 Collaborative Law – Attorneys represent parties only through
mediation; if unresolved, new representation is required.

3. Legal Fees & Billing Practices

 Contingent Fee – Payment is only made if the case is won or settled.

 Fee Splitting – Dividing a single client's fee between attorneys from
different firms.

 Forwarding Fee – A referral fee paid to an attorney who referred a
client.

 American Rule – Each party covers their attorney fees.

 English Rule – The losing party pays the winner’s attorney fees.

 Block Billing – Grouping multiple tasks under one time charge instead
of itemizing.

 Time Padding – Inflating a client’s bill by charging for unworked
hours.

 Task Padding – Inflating a bill by charging for unperformed tasks.

4. Legal Ethics & Client Protections

 Client Security Fund – A fund to compensate victims of attorney
misconduct.