Somewhere I read a discussion of the benefits of lawyers vs. paralegals but now that I'm in need of the info I can't find it. Does anyone have a link to that discussion or alternatively illuminating experiences with one or the other?

We were going to hunt down a lawyer in Belize city but have met a local guy who has a good rep with several real estate companies, was a former town mayor and employs paralegals to handle closings. Any danger signs here?

Depends what you want to do.

"Hunt down" a lawyer? What a game idea! Most of them should be hunted down...

At one time paralegals were a good bit cheaper, but if there was a problem you had to hire a lawyer also. These days paralegals charge about the same as lawyers, making them an expensive choice.

172driver, I am not amused.

Paralegals prepare documents on your behalf --- the liability is totally yours when the docs are filed.
Often they work more quickly than attorneys because the paralegal does not have unexpected court dates etc.

I agree with LaurieMar.

There are good attorneys and not good attorneys - kind of like people in general.

Like a dog chasing a car, you might catch one but doubtful you'd know what to do with it after you caught it!

LOL, LA

Diane, exactly my point.

Reminds me of a witty little conversation among Jack Cade, Dick the Butcher and Smith (some sort of weaver, as I recall) in King Henry VI.

Sorry. Just a quick cultural aside for any culturists lurking about.

well, they do say it takes one to know one many would say Dick the Butcher qualified!