List and describe the pros and cons in the paralegal licensing debate.

The pros and cons of licensing paralegals are as follows:
PROS: Attorneys and the public would benefit, because only qualified paralegals would be licensed to practice. Attorneys' search costs in finding competent assistants would be reduced.
The licensing of paralegals would be a step forward in the development of the paralegal profession, enhancing recognition and encouraging employers to give paralegals greater responsibilities. Licensing would permit paralegals to legally perform specified tasks, and they would not be at risk
for the unauthorized practice of law to the extent that they currently are. The licensing of paralegals
would give consumers greater access to low-cost legal services for routine legal matters.
CONS: Regulation would increase the cost of paralegals to employers, which would be passed on to consumers. Licensing would not encourage the growth of the paralegal profession and would not expand the functions of paralegals. To impose mandatory, uniform requirements on all paralegals would be harmful. Some paralegals who perform competently in one specified area might not qualify for a paralegal license and thus would be prohibited from employment as a paralegal. Lawyers are concerned that law firms would not be able to hire and train persons of their choice to become paralegals.