Legal Document Assistant Registration

Background

State law has required Legal Document Assistants to register with the County Clerk in the county in which the services are provided. With certain exemptions, a Legal Document Assistant means any person who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing himself or herself in a legal matter. Secretary or reception services do not require registration.

Requirements

  • The registrant must possess a valid, government-issued, picture identification (established by a birth certificate, such as a Driver's License or Passport).
  • One of the following education and or experience options (documentation such as a transcript must be included):
    • (a) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, and either a minimum of two years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney, or a minimum of two years experience, prior to January 1, 1999, providing self-help service.
    • (b) A baccalaureate degree in any field and either a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney, or a minimum of one year of experience, prior to January 1, 1999, providing self-help service.
    • (c) A certificate of completion from a paralegal program that is institutionally accredited but not approved by the American Bar Association, that requires successful completion of a minimum of 24-semester units, or the equivalent, in legal specialization courses.
    • (d) A certificate of completion from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
  • Present a bond in the amount of $25,000.00 naming the registrant as principal providing the term of the bond, two years, commencement date, and expiration date.
  • The filing fee is $182.00. We accept cash or checks made payable to Lake County Clerk.
  • Replacement cards are $10.00 each. We accept cash or checks made payable to Lake County Clerk.

Renewal Requirements

In addition to the requirements above, applicants who are renewing their registration must complete 15 hours of continuing legal education courses that meet the requirements of Business and Professions Code Section 6070.

Forms

You can fill out the form in the County Clerk's office on the 2nd floor of the courthouse at 255 N Forbes Street, Lakeport, CA 95453, or you can download the Legal Document Assistant Registration Form (PDF) on our website.