Even though your non-lawyer staff members may have some specialized training, you are entirely responsible for all business entrusted to you, and must maintain personal and actual control and management of your office. In other words, you must maintain direct supervision over every non-lawyer staff member working in your office (see rule 6.1-1 of the Code of Conduct).  When you assign a task to a non-lawyer who works in your office, you are responsible for training that person to do the work and for ensuring that the duties are properly carried out. 

 

Also remember that your clients will expect that you will personally deal with their matter. Clients who feel that most communication is done through staff members may feel dissatisfied with your services, which can sometimes lead to complaints to the Law Society. Always remember that the accountability for improper delegation of work rests on your shoulders.

 

This is not to say that assigning work to legal assistants is incorrect. It is perfectly acceptable to do so within the scope of the provisions of the Code of Conduct, but you are responsible for supervising their work and should remain cognisant that some clients will expect (or demand) lawyer contact.