Can a Paralegal Answer a Calendar Call?
By Clearing Up the Confusion
Understanding the role of a paralegal within the legal system has been essential for me since I started as one. There are times when we, as paralegals, need to know how to handle certain situations for clients and attorneys. I recently handled a situation in which knowing the North Carolina rules governing paralegals, particularly in court-related matters, was emphasized. I thought that this topic was worth sharing (as a reminder).
Every paralegal should be aware of their professional boundaries and ethical responsibilities. We, as paralegals, should know what ethics guide our work, since even experienced attorneys may not always be fully aware of the specific limitations governing paralegal work. Paralegals need to stay informed to ensure compliance with ethical standards in order to effectively support attorneys and clients.
I believe this is mostly relevant for a solo practitioner’s office, where the attorney can face a scheduling conflict and may need someone to attend a calendar call to relay a brief message regarding a case’s status. For those who are unaware, a calendar call is a pre-trial event where the attorneys meet with the judge to schedule dates for trials or hearings in cases. The question then arises – can a paralegal answer a calendar call?
A quick reading of The North Carolina State Bar’s guidelines confirms that while paralegals can facilitate administrative tasks in court, legal advocacy remains strictly within an attorney’s purview. Rule 5.3 emphasizes that lawyers must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the conduct of nonlawyer assistants is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer. Therefore, while paralegals can assist in court-related matters, they must do so under appropriate supervision and within the boundaries set by professional conduct rules.
After confirming compliance with these rules, the answer is yes. We, as paralegals, may attend the calendar call to provide clerical support and convey the necessary information about the scheduling conflict. Otherwise, we do not argue motions or make legal representations. During this calendar call, the Judge will acknowledge the message, and the case will be rescheduled/treated accordingly.
This situation highlights a critical lesson: members of the North Carolina paralegal community should always consult the North Carolina State Bar’s Paralegal Certification section and ethics opinions when facing questions about professional duties. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, paralegals can continue to serve as invaluable assets in the legal profession.
I am Johana Sanchez, and I have been working as a paralegal at Armendariz Law Office in family law for the past three years, earning this milestone in February. Our office is committed to providing bilingual assistance to clients to ensure they have the support they need in legal proceedings. One crucial aspect of my role is helping clients by answering calendar calls when needed, especially in counties where interpreters must be requested in advance. Being a paralegal comes with challenges, but with the right knowledge, every day presents an opportunity to improve and grow. I am passionate about sharing insights into the daily experiences of paralegals, highlighting both the difficulties and the rewarding moments of this profession.
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