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Legal document preparers (LDPs) help consumers represent
themselves in undisputed legal matters by preparing
the necessary legal documents to court standards. Unlike
paralegals, LDPs work independently, without the supervision
of an attorney. Below are some general guidelines for
becoming a LDP.
1) LEARN YOUR STATE’S LAWS
Your first step in considering a career as a legal
document preparer should be to research your state’s
practice of law rules, which define what is considered
an “unauthorized practice of law” (or UPL)
in that state. These laws usually specify the type of
document preparation services you may offer in your
state. However, not all states have rules or laws to
define the practice of law and determine it by court
decision. To find these rules or court cases, check
your state code, the state Supreme Court or the bar
association. Please check back at this site soon for
a complete listing of state UPL laws nationwide.
California and Arizona
Currently, only two states license and regulate legal
document preparers--California and Arizona. In these
states there are strict rules about registration and
training. Learn more about becoming a legal document
preparer (or assistant) in California
and California’s
regulations. Learn more about Arizona’s
regulations.
Several other states are considering legislation that
would define or restrict legal document preparers in
their state. Learn more about the current
legislative landscape.
2) EDUCATE YOURSELF
In most states, no formal training is required, but
it is important to receive proper education to ensure
that you are providing the best quality service to your
customers. Below are some suggestions for training.
- Attend the Legal Technician Training Institute (LTTI)
(http://www.ltti.org/).
LTTI is an independent education and training organization
with the primary purpose of training non-lawyers in
the delivery of legal information and support services
to the general public.
- Consider purchasing a WE
THE PEOPLE franchise. We THE PEOPLE is the only
national chain providing legal document preparation
services. Franchisees receive formal training and
information exclusively authored and copyrighted for
the purpose of delivering basic legal document services;
access to proprietary legal document processes, including
supervising attorneys, legal document workbooks, product
overviews and a central processing center; ongoing
training, support, and guidance in business development,
legal compliance, and quality control. For more information,
call 1-866-429-2785 or visit www.wethepeopleusa.com.
- Obtain a paralegal degree through an accredited
college or an online course. Much of what a legal
document preparer does is similar to the work of a
paralegal, however it is done independently. A paralegal
education will give you a good base knowledge. Following
are some helpful links:
- Top 100 schools: (http://www.paralegal100.com/)
- American Institute for Paralegal Studies –
an online study program http://www.americanparalegal.edu/
- Read Nolo Press’ book The
Independent Paralegal’s Handbook. This is
a very good primer to the history of the industry,
the laws impacting the business, and how to establish
and run a successful legal document preparation business.
3) PURCHASE THE NECESSARY SOFTWARE
Many LDPs use software programs to organize and prepare
documents. Here are some links to software programs
that may be helpful:
4) Join NALDP!
The National Association of Legal Document Preparers
is the only national association dedicated to promoting
and protecting the legal document preparation industry.
NALDP will help you promote your business. As an NALDP
member, you will receive marketing tips and promotional
materials, a membership certificate, frequent industry
updates, access to a members-only web site, a forum
to network with other legal document professionals,
listing in an online directory of legal document providers,
discounts on products and services, and much more.
Sign up today
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GOOD LUCK!
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