At the MTMP Spring 2025 conference, Levin Papantonio Chief Investigator Carol Moore captivated attendees with her presentation on the ever-relevant topic of ethics for those in the paralegal profession. Titled “Ethics and Action: Keeping it Legal,” Moore’s session was a candid, practical, and sometimes humorous exploration of the ethical challenges these essential legal professionals face every day.

Moore, who has served as the past national director of the National Association of Legal Investigators and was honored as the 2024 Paralegal of the Year by MTMP, opened her talk by acknowledging the sometimes mundane reputation of ethics discussions.

“You know, when we talk about ethics, everybody goes like, yeah, I know ethics,” she quipped, highlighting how assumptions about ethics knowledge can lead to legal professionals finding themselves in hot water.

The Perils of Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)

One of Moore’s primary focuses was the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL), an area that often entraps paralegals and other legal support staff. She stressed the importance of clearly understanding the line between support and practice. “UPL occurs when someone who is not a licensed attorney performs services such as offering legal advice, creating legal documents, or representing clients in court,” Moore explained. She emphasized that paralegals must always act under the supervision of a licensed attorney to avoid serious legal consequences.

To illustrate this, Moore shared a practical example involving Virginia Buchanan, a senior shareholder at Levin Papantonio. When a client called her to ask whether their case could be moved to another venue, Moore resisted the urge to answer directly, despite knowing the legal principles involved. Instead, she told the client, “I’m not a lawyer. I cannot give you legal advice. But I am going to take your question to the lawyer, Ms. Buchanan.” After consulting Buchanan, Moore carefully relayed the authorized response back to the client, always making it clear that the information was directly from the attorney.

“That’s how you protect yourself and the firm,” Moore emphasized.

Moore vividly illustrated the gravity of UPL violations by discussing the potential repercussions. In Florida, UPL is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, probation, and hefty fines. She underscored that even routine tasks like suggesting a client sign a document could cross the line if not explicitly directed by an attorney. “If you’re a notary, take care. Beware,” Moore warned, pointing out how familiarity with clients can blur professional boundaries.

Navigating Client Confidentiality

Beyond UPL, Moore addressed the critical issue of client confidentiality, a cornerstone of ethical practice. She stressed the need for paralegals to vigilantly protect client information, whether during casual office conversations or in more formal communications. “Sometimes a picture says a thousand words,” Moore said, reminding attendees that even casual comments or visible documents can inadvertently breach confidentiality.

Ethical Use of Technology

As technology continues to evolve, Moore warned of the ethical pitfalls associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and data management. She recounted cautionary tales of legal professionals facing sanctions due to AI-generated errors in legal documents. “If you have to think about it twice, you probably shouldn’t do it,” she advised, advocating for thorough verification when using AI in legal work.

Integrity Above All

Throughout her presentation, Moore’s message remained clear: ethical practice is not just a professional obligation but a personal commitment. “There’s never been a case I’ve worked on that would make me compromise my ethics,” she stated firmly. Her passion for upholding legal standards and guiding others to do the same resonated with the audience, earning her a round of applause.

Carol Moore’s presentation at MTMP Spring 2025 served as a vital reminder that ethics are not just theoretical concepts but practical guidelines essential to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. As she succinctly put it, “You don’t compromise your ethics because that’s who you are as a person.”