What is a Paralegal and who can use the professional title? Here's a quick recap of the legislative history:

• Effective January 1, 2004 BPC §6450. (a) “Paralegal” means a person who … work under the direction and supervision of …. an attorney …
• Effective January 1, 2001 BPC §6454. The terms “paralegal,” “legal assistant,” “attorney assistant,” “freelance paralegal,” “independent paralegal,” and “contract paralegal” are synonymous for purposes of chapter 6450 of BPC.
• Effective January 1, 2002 BPC §6451. It is unlawful for a paralegal to perform any services for a consumer except as performed under the direction and supervision of the attorney…
• Effective January 1, 2008 BPC §6455. (a) Any consumer injured by a violation of this chapter may file a complaint and seek redress in superior court for injunctive relief, restitution, and damages. Attorney’s fees shall be awarded in this action to the prevailing plaintiff.
• (b) Any person who violates the provisions of Section 6451 or 6452 is guilty of an infraction for the first violation, which is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) as to each consumer with respect to whom a violation occurs, and is guilty of a misdemeanor for the second and each subsequent violation, which is punishable upon conviction by a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) as to each consumer with respect to whom a violation occurs, or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered by the court to pay restitution to the victim pursuant to Section 1202.4 of the Penal Code.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=3.&title=&part=&chapter=5.6.&article=