This session explores the ethical and confidentiality challenges that arise when paralegals work remotely or in hybrid work environments. It highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism, safeguarding client data, and adhering to best practices for secure communication and supervision. Participants will learn strategies to ensure they remain compliant with confidentiality requirements, uphold their professional responsibilities, and avoid common pitfalls related to the unauthorized practice of law. Ultimately, the session emphasizes that by combining robust technology protocols with a deep commitment to ethical standards, paralegals can successfully navigate the evolving demands of remote and hybrid legal work.

Course Format

This is an on demand seminar – you’ll receive immediate access to the on demand recording and a PDF copy of the slides along with a certificate of attendance/CLE. 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: 54 Minutes.

Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)

NALA CP or ACP: This course is approved by NALA for 1.0 CLE including 1.0 ethics.

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.

North Carolina – This program has been pre-approved by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification for 0 minutes of general credit plus 60 minutes of ethics credit. This approval shall expire on March 8, 2027 unless extended.

Meet your Speaker

Valerie G. Franklin is a Florida Registered Paralegal with over 25 years of experience in various legal areas, including Guardianship, Family, Administrative, Probate, and Real Estate law. She is the Senior Paralegal and Director of the Legal Services Division for the North Florida Office of Public Guardian, Inc. (NFOPG), where she has worked since 2014. NFOPG provides guardianship services in twenty-two counties in four judicial circuits in North Florida and is responsible for managing the personal and financial well-being of over 348 adults who require assistance. Valerie received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and has been actively involved in professional organizations throughout her career. She previously served as Secretary and then Director-At-Large for the Florida Paralegal Association, Inc., where she worked to promote the paralegal profession and provide educational and networking opportunities for its members. Valerie is past Chair of the Membership Committee for the Big Bend Chapter, where she supported the recruitment and retention of paralegal members in the local community. Valerie is a member of the Elder Law section of the Florida Bar and serves on the Florida Paralegal Enrichment Committee, the Regulations Sub-Committee and the First District Committee. She is also a member of WINGS, a National Guardianship Group, where she collaborates with other guardianship stakeholders to improve the quality of guardianship services and promote best practices.

When not working, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She is loves to read, is an enthusiastic gardener, and enjoys canning. Valerie is also a fan of 1970s bands and enjoys attending their concerts. Valerie’s extensive legal experience, active involvement in professional organizations, and diverse range of personal interests make her a highly respected and accomplished paralegal in the legal community.