Back in 2006 when the idea of a Florida Registered Paralegal program was being considered, Judge Ross Goodman who was chair of the Special Committee to Study Paralegal Regulation stated “I think lawyers are going to realize the benefits of having this program is that they are going to have better trained paralegals; they are going to be able to identify the better paralegals in the hiring process; and the paralegals that they do have are going to get continuing education that is going to be a benefit to the lawyers and the law firms.” 

In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with CEO of Law Office Support Services and Chair of the Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee, Margo Valenti about what is required for a paralegal to become an FRP and the real value an FRP can bring to your firm. 

Margo Valenti is the Founder and CEO of Law Office Support Services: a virtual paralegal and legal support service for Solo Practitioners and Small Firms, and proud Member Benefits Provider for the Florida Bar. During a career that spans 30 years, Margo has held numerous positions with well-established law firms; from humble beginnings as a legal assistant trainee, to attaining Florida Bar Registered Paralegal status at the program’s inception, to serving in the all-encompassing role of law firm administrator. Margo's last post before starting her own company was as a Senior Member of an IPO team charged with taking companies public on the New York Stock Exchange. Margo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Margo has had the honor of serving as the Vice-chair for The Florida Bar’s newly formed FRP Enrichment Committee in 2019, as the Chair of its Communication Subcommittee. Currently, Margo serves as the Chair of the FRP Enrichment Committee. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

Florida Registered Paralegal Program 

A Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) is a paralegal who has met the education, training, certification and work experience required for voluntary registration as set forth in media.floridabar.org/uploads/2020/09/Ch-20-2021_03-SEP-RRTFB-9-3-2020.pdf">Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The Florida Registered Paralegal Eligibility and Compliance Committee is charged with assisting in the implementation and administration of the Florida Registered Paralegal program.  

The Florida Registered Paralegal Enrichment Committee is charged with developing education programming, creating networking and social events to foster camaraderie among FRPs, and raising awareness of the FRP program and the benefits of FRP membership.  

Law Office Support Services is a virtual paralegal and legal assistant subscription service that is designed around the specific needs of your practice. Whether working in your practice management software or on our team site, our time is tracked incrementally, and narratives of the work that we have performed are provided monthly for billing directly to your clients. Law Office Support Services is an approved Florida Bar Member Benefit.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit. Course #4331.