To do business as an LDA, you will need to register with your county clerk recorder. To be eligible to apply for registration as a legal document assistant, in accordance with Business and Professions Code 6402.1, the applicant shall possess at least one of the following:
LDA's are REQUIRED by law to be bonded for $25,000 and must register in the county where they have their principal place of business.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- A certificate of completion from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.