Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Under Louisiana process service laws, can an attorney's secretary receive legal papers on behalf of the attorney?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if authorized

4. Only if the attorney is unavailable

The correct answer is: True

In Louisiana, an attorney's secretary is generally allowed to receive legal papers on behalf of the attorney, which is why the answer is considered true. This practice aligns with the standard procedures of law firms where legal documents are often sent to administrative staff, including secretaries, who manage the flow of communications and documents to the attorneys. While it's crucial to understand that the attorney and their staff must ensure proper handling of all documents received, the law provides for such arrangements to facilitate the efficient operation of a legal practice. This not only helps in keeping the attorney informed and prepared but also ensures timely responses to legal matters. The option that suggests limited conditions, like being only authorized or only receiving documents when the attorney is unavailable, introduces unnecessary complications. Louisiana law is designed to allow efficient service without such stipulations, as long as the receiving staff is part of the law office and the attorney has delegating authority in place.