I have included the classmate's post below. Please comment on the classmate's post. Do you agree with your classmate's assessment of the issues in the post? Why or why not?

CLASSMATE POST:

As I was finishing my response for the first post I said to myself, the Public Defender's office needs to invest in more paralegals so they can get more work done at a cheaper price. I think both the LLLT from Washington and the LLP from Utah would be beneficial to reduce the workload of the Public Defenders. Unfortunately both programs only allow those licensed to focus on family law matters, and the LLP allows work in debt collections and forcible entry. In order for this to work, states would have to develop a program to license paralegals in the area of criminal law. Which I personally think should require more experience and education than the other two programs.

The limited licensed legal technician in Washington is able to advise and assists those going through divorce, child custody and other family law matters. They are able to consult and advise, complete & file necessary court documents, assist pro se clients at certain types of hearings. As well as help with court scheduling and support clients in navigating the legal system. This specific license would help the Public Defender's office because they would have someone that is able to advise clients, assist at hearings, and support clients while navigating the legal system. While it's not much, I think it would take some of the burden off the public defenders. That extra time could be spent in court, defending their clients like they are supposed to do.

The licensed paralegal practitioner in Utah is able to enter contractual relationships with natural persons, interview clients, assist clients with completing forms as well as obtaining the documents needed to support those forms. They may review documents, inform, counsel, assist and advocate for clients, explain the court orders to the client. However, they may not appear in court. Similar to the LLLT in Washington, this would remove some of the load from the PD's, which would give them more time to focus on court appearances. Having someone that is able to handle important documents and discuss them with the client would make a big difference.