Which of the following actions could lead to an administrative suspension?

An administrative suspension can occur when a paralegal fails to meet specific obligations imposed by the regulatory body overseeing their practice. In this scenario, not paying annual fees is a significant reason for such a suspension. Regulatory bodies, like the Law Society of Ontario, require paralegals to maintain their licenses through the timely payment of fees. Failure to pay these fees can lead to administrative actions, including suspension, as it reflects non-compliance with essential regulatory requirements necessary for the continued practice of law.

The other options relate to actions that, while potentially raising ethical or professional concerns, do not directly result in an administrative suspension. For instance, refusing a client may pertain to a paralegal's discretion and professional judgment and does not implicate regulatory compliance in the same way. Failing to file proper documentation may result in professional liability or sanctions but does not automatically lead to suspension. Working in a different area of law typically does not violate any regulations unless the paralegal has not met training or titular requirements for that specific area, but it does not directly lead to an administrative suspension either. Thus, not paying annual fees stands out as a clear link to administrative suspension due to non-compliance with financial obligations to the regulatory body.