Well, yeah! This is indeed a welcome news article:
"Paralegals are critical to improving the reputation of lawyers in the community. The legal profession still suffers from negative stereotypes and some do indeed think we’re better off ‘at the bottom of the sea,’ as the lawyer joke goes. Paralegals can pull lawyers out of this muddy, messy, pool of disrepute by displaying the following qualities.
* Honesty and integrity
* Professionalism
* Giving back through pro bono work and volunteering
* Enthusiasm"
Author Elizabeth Balfour‘s speech at the annual San Diego Paralegals’ Association Luncheon in June 2006 provided criteria for the Distinguished Paralegals Awards.