PERAN DAN FUNGSI PARALEGAL MENURUTUNDANG- UNDANG NOMOR 16 TAHUN 2011

Abstract

 Paralegalsareindividualswhopossessbasicknowledgeandskillsinthefieldoflaw,butare not licensed advocates. The presence of paralegals is highly needed within society, particularly to assist economically disadvantaged communities and those with limited legal understanding. This study aims to identify and explain the general roles and functions of paralegals in providing access to justice, especially through non-litigation channels.

The results of the study show that paralegals play the role of legal information providers, community assistants in dealing with legal issues, and facilitators in resolving disputes through deliberation and mediation. Other functions carried out by paralegals include conducting legal education, assisting in the preparation of simple legal documents, and accompanyingcommunitymembersininteractionswithlegalandgovernmentalinstitutions. The role of paralegals is particularly vital in areas where access to legal aid from licensed advocates is still limited or unavailable.

Paralegals have also proven effective in increasing legal awareness within communities through more humanistic, participatory, and community-based approaches. Therefore, the presenceofparalegalsshouldnotbeseenmerelyasacomplementtotheformallegalsystem, but rather as an integral part of grassroots legal empowerment efforts.