One of the constant criticisms of the Washington limited license legal technician is that there only around 30 licensed technicians so far—even though the program is still in its infancy. A second challenge is that, currently, the LLLT cannot represent a client in court.
In many jurisdictions that are considering LTs, or something similar, the impetus is not just to deter the unauthorized practice of law and protect consumers but to also reduce the number of unrepresented litigants. Here, I will examine the apparent contradiction to reduce this unrepresented number with programs that recommend creation of LTs that cannot represent clients by comparing the proposed LT programs in Oregon and Utah with the New York City Court Navigator Program and the Ontario, Canada, paralegal program.
