W HO WE ARE SERV I N G A N D W HY
Where conditions are conducive to paralegal assistance as well as
legal aid, high-level advocacy, and litigation, these approaches should
be coordinated, with mechanisms to ensure referrals and data-driven
advocacy are in place.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PARALEGAL PROGRAMS
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES OR CHALLENGES
otential to reach a large number of people: When
P
paralegals are embedded in communities, they
can multiply their reach by coaching others.
equires initial effort in identifying appropriate
R
people to become paralegals, and recruitment can
be complicated; existing channels might not work.
fficiency: Training paralegals is cheaper than
E
training lawyers, so your project can afford more
of them
aralegals may face backlash and risks because
P
they are seen as challenging existing power
structures.
ommunity-based paralegals can mitigate the
C
challenges posed by:
awyers might still be required to litigate certain
L
issues.
• language
• mistrust of outsiders seeking to advocate on
behalf of a community
• discontinuation of funding; project closure
• distance of the affected community from
relevant service providers.
ommunity-based paralegals may be able to
C
access community networks that can provide a
solution for a client where the legal system cannot.
ommunity-based paralegals can adopt a more
C
sustainable approach than legal aid providers
by building skills and knowledge of laws and
procedures in affected communities.
2.2 Needs Assessment
A needs assessment involves collecting information from affected
communities and individuals, potential project leaders, and potential host
organizations to identify whether there is a need and an opportunity for
a paralegal approach to work. In addition to providing insight that will
shape a paralegal project, this information can serve as a baseline to
measure progress. It should be an ongoing process.
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A C O M M U N I T Y- B A S E D P R A C T I T I O N E R ’ S G U I D E : D O C U M E N T I N G C I T I Z E N S H I P A N D OT H E R F O R M S O F L E G A L I D E N T I T Y