What ethical codes and rules regulate the conduct of paralegals, and, briefly, what are the origins of paralegal ethical codes? Who must comply with paralegal codes of ethics?

Paralegals are regulated indirectly, rather than directly, and in several ways. The ethical codes for attorneys indirectly regulate the conduct of paralegals. Additionally, paralegal conduct is regulated indirectly by standards and guidelines created by paralegal professional groups, as well as guidelines for the utilization of paralegals developed by the American Bar Association and various states.
The two major national paralegal associations in the United States, the NFPA and the NALA, were formed to define and represent paralegal professional interests on a national level. Shortly after they were formed, both of these associations adopted codes of ethics defining the ethical responsibilities of paralegals. In 1977, NFPA adopted its first code of ethics, called the Affirmation of Responsibility. The code has since been revised several times, and its current title is the Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement. In 1975, the