About the practice
A small, careful California LDA practice.
We prepare self-help court documents for Californians who would rather not pay attorney rates but still want the work done right.
What is an LDA?
Legal Document Assistant
A Legal Document Assistant (LDA) is a non-attorney who is authorized by the State of California to prepare legal documents for the public at the consumer's specific direction. LDAs are registered and bonded in their county and regulated under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 6400–6415.
Think of us as the procedural craftsperson. You know what you want to do; we prepare the paperwork to do it.
What we can & cannot do
Clear lines, by law.
We can
- ✓Type your forms accurately
- ✓Provide published self-help materials
- ✓File and serve at your direction
- ✓Keep your matter organized
We cannot
- ✗Give legal advice
- ✗Choose forms for you
- ✗Represent you in court
- ✗Predict outcomes
How we differ
LDA vs. Paralegal
While both Legal Document Assistants and paralegals deal with legal paperwork, their business models, regulatory rules, and who they can work for are completely different.
Legal Document Assistant (LDA)
An LDA is authorized to help you prepare, file, and serve routine legal forms without an attorney looking over their shoulder. They are a cost-effective alternative when you know exactly what you want to file but just need someone to handle the paperwork logistics.
- ✓Works directly for the general public
- ✓Must register with the county and maintain a professional bond
- ✗Cannot offer legal strategy or tell you which forms to choose
Regulated by California Business and Professions Code §§ 6400–6415.
Paralegal
Unlike an LDA, a paralegal cannot offer services directly to consumers or charge you a fee to fill out forms on your own. They are built into the traditional legal system to assist lawyers behind the scenes.
- ✗Cannot work directly with the public — must work under a lawyer
- ✗No county registration or bond required
- ✓Can assist an attorney with complex case strategies and research
Regulated by California Business and Professions Code § 6450.
| Feature | LDA | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|
| Can work directly with the public? | Yes | No — must work under a lawyer |
| Needs county registration & bond? | Yes | No |
| Can give independent legal advice? | No | No |
| Primary purpose | Budget-friendly document prep and filing | Substantive legal work to support an attorney |
Credentials
On the record. By the book.
2026-0000119
LDA License
Registered & bonded
§6400
BPC Compliant
Business & Professions Code
San Francisco, CA
Bay Area, California
Serving the entire region
Trust, verified · Est. California