In today’s fast-paced legal environment, paralegals face constant ethical challenges—some traditional, some brand new. From safeguarding client confidentiality to navigating the gray areas of artificial intelligence, knowing how to recognize and handle potential pitfalls is essential to protecting both your clients and your career.

Taught by experienced trial paralegal and educator Linda McGrath-Cruz, this course provides a practical, real-world guide to the rules of ethics that govern paralegals, along with clear strategies for applying them in your day-to-day work.

What You’ll Learn

This course covers the most common—and most consequential—ethical issues paralegals face, including:

• Client Intake and Initial Interviews: Spotting red flags, documenting accurately, and building trust from day one.

• Conflicts of Interest: How to conduct conflict checks and avoid costly missteps.

• Client Confidentiality: Recognizing accidental disclosures, understanding penalties, and preventing breaches before they happen.

• Social Media Risks: Avoiding the easy mistakes that can compromise cases and reputations.

• Handling Client Files: Best practices for file management, safeguarding sensitive records, and ensuring proper retention and closing procedures.

Why This Course Matters

Ethical violations can cost your firm clients, money, and credibility—and can cost you your job. By the end of this program, you’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to:

• Identify ethical red flags before they become problems.

• Apply practical strategies that keep your work compliant and professional.

• Protect your clients, your firm, and your career

Bonus Course

You’ll also receive a bonus course titled Ethical Questions: The Do’s and Don’ts from speaker Candy Ryan. This course takes a practical look at the gray areas paralegals often face. In this focused course, you’ll learn how to steer clear of unauthorized practice of law (UPL), understand the boundaries of attorney supervision, and evaluate potential conflicts of interest. We’ll also cover how to properly manage issues of privilege and avoid the common pitfalls of social media use. This course gives you clear, straightforward guidance to help you stay compliant and confident in your daily work.

What’s Included When You Sign Up

This is an on demand seminar – you’ll receive immediate access to the on demand recording and a certificate of attendance/CLE. You will also receive helpful handouts including a copy of the PowerPoint, sample forms and more. You will also receive a copy of the on demand course “Ethical Questions: The Do’s and Don’ts“. You have lifetime access to this program, so once it’s in your account, you can return to complete it whenever it is convenient for you.

Video length: 41 Minutes + Bonus Course 58 Minutes

Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)

NALA CP or ACP: This course is approved by NALA for 2.0 CLE (substantive).

Florida Bar FRP: As approved by NALA, this seminar meets the requirements under Rule 20-6.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the FRP credential.

NFPA RP® or CRP™: NFPA automatically accepts substantive CLE hours which bears the accreditation of NALA on the certificate of attendance.

State Bar of Texas – Paralegal Division – The Division will accept substantive law CLE approved by the National Association of Legal Assistants for credit towards the Paralegal Division mandatory membership renewal CLE requirement.

Meet your Speaker

Linda McGrath-Cruz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her seminars, accumulated since 1997, from the dynamic world of civil litigation. Specializing in areas such as products/premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice defense, Linda’s expertise is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in real-world practice. As a testament to her dedication and skill, she has earned the designation of NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal in key areas including discovery, eDiscovery, trial practice, social security, and entity medical liability, alongside her recognition as a Florida Registered Paralegal. Linda is the Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the St. Johns River State College Paralegal Program.

Linda’s academic journey underscores her commitment to the paralegal profession, holding two paralegal certificates, a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies from Barry University, and a Master’s in Paralegal Studies from National Juris University. Linda also holds degrees in medical assisting and secondary education. Her educational background, paired with her extensive experience, positions her as an instructor with a deep understanding of the field’s nuances and complexities.

She is the proud founder and operator of Perfectly Paralegal, a vibrant community that offers resources, support, continuing education, and much more for paralegals across all levels of experience and education. This initiative highlights Linda’s commitment to nurturing the paralegal community, making her not just a mentor but a relatable ally who understands the challenges and triumphs of the profession.

In Linda’s classes, you’re not just learning theory; you’re gaining practical insights from someone who has lived it. Her approachable nature and dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge ensure that every participant leaves with valuable, actionable information. Join her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and empower yourself with the tools for success in the dynamic world of paralegal work.