Certified Legal Assistant Certified Paralegal (CLA-CP) Practice Test 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "lay advocate" specifically refers to a nonlawyer who represents clients, typically in a legal context or administrative proceedings. These individuals may assist clients in navigating complex legal processes, providing support without having formal legal training or a license to practice law. Lay advocates often work in areas such as family law, tenant rights, or community services, where they can help individuals understand their rights and advocate on their behalf.

In contrast, a licensed attorney is a trained and certified professional who has completed law school and passed the bar exam, allowing them to provide legal advice and representation. A paralegal, while knowledgeable about legal processes and able to assist attorneys, is also not a licensed lawyer and typically works under the supervision of an attorney. An administrative assistant does not focus on legal representation and is more involved in clerical or organizational tasks rather than advocacy or legal assistance. Thus, the definition of "lay advocate" aptly aligns with the role of a nonlawyer representing clients, making that the correct answer.