WHEREAS, The paralegals of the State of Rhode Island strive to foster high standards of conduct, professional ethics, and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Paralegals are diversely employed by law firms, public and private corporations, businesses, institutions, and local, state and national government agencies located within the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Paralegals, working under the supervision of a lawyer, shall apply knowledge of law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers, clients and courts; design, develop and modify procedures, techniques, services and processes; prepare and interpret legal documents; detail procedures for practicing in certain fields of law; research, select, assess, compile and use information from the library and other references; and analyze and handle procedural problems that involve independent decisions; and

WHEREAS, The paralegals of the State of Rhode Island are tremendous assets to their communities and contribute substantially to the quality and proficiency of legal services throughout the State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby recognizes and commends the paralegals of the State of Rhode Island for their outstanding work and enormous contributions to the legal profession and designate June 4, 2002 as "Rhode Island Paralegals Day"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Paralegal Association.