Definition of Moral Turpitude

Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States that refers to “conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals.” The concept of moral turpitude escapes precise definition but has been described as an “act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellowmen, or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and man.” The specific acts that such a concept includes inevitably change over time, as general public acceptance or abhorrence of issues alters.

The following crimes constitute moral turpitude, but are not inclusive of all crimes involving moral turpitude:

This listing of duties is not exclusive of all duties performed by paralegals in their respective fields.  Some individuals may perform tasks at a higher level, while others may carry out at a lower level.  This list is intended as a sampling of substantive tasks performed by paralegals across many different legal fields.

Administrative Law

1. Research and interpret regulations issued by government agencies to determine their application and relevance;
2. Analyzing agency regulations and provide training to various personnel on agency processes and procedures; and
3. Assist Administrative Law Judge at hearings, including court reporter duties, such as preparing witnesses, handling exhibits, recording testimony, and monitoring procedural aspects of hearing.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

1. Mediate cases;
2. Select, organize, and summarize the factual material presented to the independent neutral;
3. Assist client with preparing for arbitration or mediation;
4. Assisting with the drafting of the agreements or settlements between two parties that result out of alternative dispute resolutions, including as well any binding agreements that are contingent to both parties; and
5. Conduct background information check on potential arbitrators and mediators.

Appellate

1. Conduct Cite checking and prepare Table of Authorities;
2. Draft notice of appeal or stay of execution of judgment or items to be included in clerk’s record;
3. Preparation of appendix for briefs, exhibits, and draft application for attorneys fees; and
4. Assist attorney with preparation of oral argument.

Asbestos Litigation

1. Interview witnesses and client regarding products used containing asbestos, including assist with day in the life videos;
2. Review of medical records and develop summary of same regarding client’s health and obtain background information, interview witnesses and clients, and coordinate deposition scheduling with witnesses, clients, and experts;
3. Assist and attend hearings and trials with exhibits, witness preparation, and relationship with client; and
4. Design, maintain, and update case tracking databases for each state and/or region relating to legislative matters, EPA rules/regulations, medical information on parties, corporate and trade association documents, and information relating to products, non-expert or non-medical expert witnesses, and job site.

Bankruptcy

1. Collect background information on client, including employment, income, assets, liabilities, loans, and credit card information;
2. Assist client in preparation of monthly income and expense sheet and draft documents relevant to case, including discovery documents, notices of hearing, application for temporary relief, and proposed stipulations;
3. Work with debtor and attorney by investigating all the said debts involved with the case, including evaluation of credit reports, finding the necessary information about transactions, loans, debts owed, and speaking with creditors; and
4. Draft applicable pleadings and motions.

Business/Corporate

1. Draft documents required to form corporations (both business and not-for-profit corporations), partnerships and limited liability companies in any state, as well as due diligence issues;
2. Prepare and draft documentation for amendments, withdrawals, mergers and dissolutions of corporations, partnerships and/or limited liability companies;
3. Draft completion of stock certificates and franchise tax forms;
4. Gather litigation and billing information to prepare draft responses to auditors’ requests for information; and
5. Prepare and file UCC filings and handle UCC filing search requests in all states.

Collections

1. Review and analyze all documentation: notices, invoices, correspondence between debtor and creditor, promissory notes, security agreements, and personal guarantees;
2. Establish through Secretary of State whether debtor is a corporation or other such corporate entity, a d/b/a/, or an individual;
3. Draft demand letters and correspondence to debtor/creditor, including complaint and summons;
4. Calculate prejudgment interest; and
5. Prepare documents required for entry of judgment, conduct and direct any asset search either in-house or outsourced, and conduct required skip tracing and/or job verification.

Commercial Litigation

1. Draft, organize, maintain, and analyze documents relating to preliminary investigation, initiation of action, discovery, document productions, depositions, briefings, settlement, and trial, including but not limited to ongoing litigation, discovery responses and requests, production databases, calendaring deadlines, and exhibits to motions or pleadings;
2. Obtain background information, interview witnesses and clients, and coordinate deposition scheduling with witnesses, clients, and experts;
3. Track and report pending legislation, review local rules and jurisdictional rules, conduct research on related fact patterns, and prepare or research statistical data;
4. Assist and attend hearings and trials with exhibits, witness preparation, and relationship with client; and
5. Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources such as newspapers, magazines, libraries, case documents and trade associations.

Computer Litigation Support

1. Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources such as newspapers, magazines, libraries, case documents and trade associations;
2. Provide litigation support position also involves courtroom presentations and trial graphics;
3. Prepare and manage handles animations, forensics, databases, document imaging and litigation graphics; and
4. Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot case-specific databases, including working with outside vendors or in-house personnel for solutions.

Construction Law

1. Meet with client and obtain information about project history and current status, including analyzing city codes, inspection reports, bid and contract documents;
2. Review and summarize insurance policies and/or related bonds;
3. Interview witnesses or persons with knowledge, including construction manager, representatives of subcontractors and vendors; and
4. Draft mechanic’s lien and obtain all documents supporting lien.

Contract Administration

1. Analyze case law regarding contract disputes;
2. Prepare drafts of contracts for legal department, including proposals with alternative language/clauses as appropriate;
3. Collect and verify credentials and other required documentation for execution of new contracts or amendments and coordinate production of requested business and financial information; and
4. Coordinate contract interpretation, implementation, and communication, both internally and externally.

Criminal

1. Obtain background information, interview witnesses and client and examine physical evidence, tangible objects, and photographs;
2. Draft motions in arrest of judgment, for new trial, for release pending new trial, petition for leniency for probation;
3. Determine and organize key evidence for trial and helping a lawyer prepare for a case; and
4. Assist and attend hearings and trials with exhibits, witness preparation, and relationship with client.

Domestic Relations/Family Law

1. Collect background information on client, including marriage certificates, sources of support, residence, employment, income, assets, liabilities, and number of children;
2. Investigate and trace non-marital claims of the client
3. Assist client in preparation of monthly income and expense sheet and draft documents relevant to case, including discovery documents, notices of hearing, application for temporary relief, and proposed stipulations; and
4. Coordinate with private investigators, witnesses and appraisals in evaluation of clients’ case.

Employee Benefits

1. Draft and design documents related to employee benefits, including trust agreements, participation forms, board of directors’ resolutions, and medical reimbursement plans;
2. Calculate participants’ years of service of eligibility and vesting;
3. Monitor and ensure money judgments are timely paid and that partial or full satisfaction of judgments are drafted and filed; and
4. Research and interpret regulations issued by government agencies to determine their application and relevance to client plans.

Environmental

1. Assist with documentation and analyses relating to audits, violations, concerns, and regulation tracking;
2. Compile documents in connection with due diligence matters;
3. Assist with development and continuation of procedures of stewardship of plant process, safety and related programs; and
4. Track and monitor medical, legal, scientific, and financial journals for potential environmental impact.

Foreclosure

1. Draft documents, including notices of sale, publications, deeds, and liens;
2. Coordinate tasks such as title search, inspection of property, appraisal orders, and tax lien searches; and
3. Research local rules relating to appearance time and place for foreclosure sale.

Immigration

1. Draft applications, petitions, and supporting documentation for filing with Immigration and Naturalization Service and Department of Labor;
2. Assist with research, obtain, and coordinate certification and translation of foreign documents;
3. Obtain monthly visa numbers form the State Department; and
4. Prepare clients for agency interviews.

Intellectual Property

1. Draft, analyze, and maintain documents relating to trademarks, patents, and copyrights;
2. Maintain docket system of due dates for actions, including renewals, affidavits, and payments;
3. Assist in international filings and coordinating with foreign legal services, intellectual property-related litigation, and review of client materials in placement of copyright notices; and
4. Research and compile information about notice requirements, procedures for foreign trademarks, and current law on intellectual property rights.

Labor/Employment

1. Draft positions papers to equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
2. Research and develop materials for employee policy manual;
3. Investigate and analyze information, witness statements, and documents relating to clients’ claims; and
4. Obtain governmental agency guidelines and monitor state and federal regulations, such as Americans with Disabilities Act, and Fair Labor & Standards Act.

Landlord/Tenant

1. Visit residence to verify and document problems, investigate city/county records for ownership and violations;
2. Draft notices of eviction, complaints, motion for judgment, rental agreements/leases;
3. Correspond with client re progress of case; and
4. Research current landlord/tenant laws and related agency rules.

Litigation

1. Draft, organize, maintain, and analyze documents relating to preliminary investigation, initiation of action, discovery, document productions, depositions, briefings, settlement, and trial, including but not limited to ongoing litigation, discovery responses and requests, production databases, calendaring deadlines, and exhibits to motions or pleadings;
2. Obtain background information, interview witnesses and clients, and coordinate deposition scheduling with witnesses, clients, and experts;
3. Track and report pending legislation, review local rules and jurisdictional rules, conduct research on related fact patterns, and prepare or research statistical data; and
4. Assist and attend hearings and trials with exhibits, witness preparation, and relationship with client.

Municipal

1. Draft, organize, maintain, and analyze documents relating to preliminary investigation, discovery, document productions, briefings, settlement, and trial;
2. Prepare periodic status reports’
3. Respond to “open records” requests as mandated by law;
4. Research and maintenance of state and municipal codes and laws and analysis of reports relating to same; and
5. Assist with negotiations with city departments in zoning, land utilization, and eminent domain.

Personal Injury/Medical Malpractice/Product Liability

1. Obtain, review, organize, and analyze medical records and documents regarding insurance carrier, health care provider, employer records, and state and local agencies;
2. Communicate with client, experts, insurance adjusters, potential witnesses and agency representatives to investigate facts, medical records, damage calculations, and progress of case;
3. Calculate damages based on analyses of documents and witnesses;
4. Coordinate scheduling of depositions and medical examinations relating to investigation of claims; and
5. Prepare and draft documents relating to investigation and settlement. Probate & Estate Administration
6. Draft documents relating to trusts, guardianship/conservatorship, and estate administration;
7. Work with the trustee, trusts’ grantors and beneficiaries, accountants, and family members in coordinating distribution of assets, appraisal of assets, maintenance of accounting matters, and preparation of tax records;
8. Coordinate filing of death certificate, notice to creditors by publications, obtain federal and state tax clearance to release tax liabilities; and
9. Assist with client intake forms and coordination of transition to litigation counsel.

Public Benefits

1. Assist with and research public aid matters, including unemployment, consumer fraud complaints, and programs such as Women, Infants, and Children, Social Security and Medicare matters;
2. Prepare and meet with client for intake information and preparation of forms; and
3. Assist with the planning and attendance of pro-bono or low income legal aid programs.

Real Property

1. Prepare documents relating to acquisitions, due diligence, closing matters, purchase money loans, closing and post-closing, tax-related mattes, leases, and foreclosures;
2. Draft and analyze documents related to all real property matters, including researching current state and federal law and agency rules;
3. Coordinate with title companies, surveyors, appraisal and environmental agencies on the analyses and review of real property documents; and
4. Assist with probate and trust transfers and property investigations.

Securities/Municipal Bonds

1. Draft loan and organizational documents and coordinate filing and retrieval of documents with state and federal agencies;
2. Prepare drafts of proxy material and statements, confidential offering memorandum, questionnaires for officers, directors and principal shareholders, annual report to shareholders;
3. Perfect securities dealer or issuer exemptions; and
4. Proof first gallery of bonds and check manufacturing schedule, coupon amounts, and CUSIP numbers.

Tax

1. Maintain records and draft returns and supporting documents for varied income scenarios and claims for refunds;
2. Compile information and documents for audits and reviews;
3. Calculate interest on overpayments, under payments, and penalties;
4. Research current tax law, revenue-related rulings, tax court decisions, and legislative materials and maintain current federal and state tax forms and publications.

Workers’ Compensation

1. Draft, file and maintain applications, appeals, bills, letters, affidavits, and motions with Industrial Accident Board or Bureau of Workers’ Compensation;
2. Work with client, physicians, and employers about hearings, status of claims, cost control measures, disability schedules and medical treatment parameters;
3. Research claim options, third-party actions, medical issues, legislative and administrative law changes; and
4. Analyze medical records, calculate average weekly wages and benefits, investigate claims, and interview potential witnesses.