Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of legal settings and play an ever-increasing role in providing affordable and effective legal services. However, regulation of paralegals is non-existent or inconsistent, although the topic remains a significant problem. Across the country, paralegals are advocating that bars, state legislatures, and courts consider regulatory programs that go beyond simply defining the term “paralegal.” Federally required licensing for paralegals would benefit the future growth and development of the career field and resolve controversial issues surrounding it. Paralegals continue to take on new responsibilities in law firms and perform many of the same tasks as attorneys. Through formal education, training and experience, paralegals possess knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and legal procedures, which qualifies them to work under the supervision of an attorney. In addition to preparing legal documents, contracts, and other legal documents, a paralegal may also interview witnesses and conduct legal research. The most important job a paralegal can have is helping an attorney prepare for hearings, trials, and meetings. Although a paralegal is trained to perform the same tasks as attorneys, they are explicitly prohibited from performing tasks considered to be the practice of law, such as setting legal fees, giving legal advice, submitting documents signed in court and present cases in court. Paralegals are an essential part of today's legal practice; Additionally, a competent paralegal can improve a law firm's profitability and the delivery of legal services. These new responsibilities come with a higher level of demands and respect. In turn......middle of article......ttp://www.nhbar.org/publications/archives/display-journal-issue.asp?id=148Robert E. Mongue, JA (2010, July 19). The Empowered Paralegal » Blog Archive » If it smells bad over there, it will smell bad here.. The Empowered Paralegal. Retrieved April 17, 2011 from http://theempoweredparalegal.com/?p=1202Durgin, CR (nd). Getting Legal with Paralegals: A Look at State Regulations. American Bar Association. Retrieved April 17, 2011 from http://apps.americanbar.org/buslaw/blt/2007-01-02/durgin.shtml Vicki Voisin, CLAS, PN (1998, December 14). Issues related to paralegal licensure and government regulations. Licensing issues. Retrieved April 17, 2011, from www.nala.org/licissues.htmParalegals applies to be licensed and regulated by the Bar. (September 13, 2010). The Florida Bar News, p. n/a.http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=531868