How to Register as a California Legal Document Assistant

How do I register as a legal document assistant in California?

Step 1. Verify you meet the eligibility requirements to become a legal document assistant in California.

You must have at least one of the following to be eligible to apply for California legal document assistant registration.

1. high school diploma/general equivalency diploma AND at least 2 years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney after January 1, 1999 OR at least 2 years of experience providing self-help service before January 1, 1999
2. baccalaureate degree in any field AND at least 1 year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney after January 1, 1999 OR at least 1 year of experience providing self-help service before January 1, 1999
3. certificate of completion from an American Bar Association-approved paralegal program
4. certificate of completion from an institutionally accredited (but not approved by the American Bar Association) paralegal program that requires successful completion of at least 24 semester units, or the equivalent, in legal specialization courses

Step 2. Purchase a California legal document assistant bond.

California Business and Professions Code requires legal document assistants to file a $25,000 California legal document assistant bond when registering with their county. By filing this bond, you agree to comply with California Business and Professions Code Division 3 Chapter 5.5 when working as a legal document assistant in the state.

You can buy your California legal document assistant bond online 24/7 for $250. Once your payment has been processed, you'll instantly receive a copy of your bond by email, and your official surety bond will be physically issued and delivered to you as required for county registration.

Step 3. File your California legal document assistant registration application with your county.

California Business and Professions Code requires you to register as a legal document assistant with the county clerk in the county in which your principal place of business is located. Your California legal document assistant license application and registration process will vary depending on the county in which you work. If you have questions about licensing requirements or the registration process, contact your local county clerk.

For example, you can find specific requirements for Los Angeles County Individual Legal Document Assistant Registration or Sacramento County Legal Document Assistant Registration.

Step 4. Use a contract when offering legal document assistant services to clients.

When working as a legal document assistant in California, you must enter into service contracts with your clients. Your contract must provide your clients with appropriate notice regarding their consumer rights and outline your specific duties as a legal document assistant.