PennWest University Libraries: Legal Studies Guide: Professional Organizations

Professional Organizations for Paralegals

American Association for Paralegal Education Established in 1981, the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) "promotes quality paralegal education, develops educational standards and encourages professional growth, in order to prepare graduates to perform a significant role in the delivery of legal services." (Mission statement from the AAfPE Web site.)
American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals "Our mission is to improve the American system of justice by establishing ABA standards for the education of paralegals and by promoting attorneys' professional, effective and ethical utilization of paralegal services."--ABA Website
more...less...
"Our mission is to improve the American system of justice by establishing ABA standards for the education of paralegals and by promoting attorneys' professional, effective and ethical utilization of paralegals."--Standing Committee mission statement from website.
NALA The Paralegal Association "NALA provides current information about the paralegal profession, continuing education (publications, courses, and webinars), networking opportunities, professional certification programs, occupational survey reports, and other publications to help paralegals excel in the workplace. NALA is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(6), representing more than 18,000 paralegals, who are individual members or members of NALA affiliated associations."--Information from NALA website.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) "Founded in 1974, NFPA was the first national paralegal association. Created as a non-profit federation, NFPA is an issues-driven, policy-oriented professional association comprised of more than 50 member associations and represents over 9,000 individual members. NFPA routinely monitors legislation, case law, proposed changes to the rules of responsibility and ethics opinions that affect the paralegal profession. Since its inception, NFPA has assisted the profession in addressing many issues associated with the growth and expanded role of the paralegal. A comprehensive source, the Web site includes practical advice for job seekers and detailed information about the job market for paralegals."--From the NFPA website.
National Association for Legal Support Professionals NALS, the association for legal professionals, awards the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) and/or the Certified Legal Professional (CLP) , and the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification designations, which reflect a proficiency in procedural law, substantive law, and an overall commitment to a higher standard of conduct and professionalism. NALS' Professional Paralegals may distinguish themselves further by earning Specialty Certifications in various substantive law areas.
more...less...
Information from the ABA "Information for Lawyers: How Paralegals Can Improve Your Practice" website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/profession-information/information_for_lawyers_how_paralegals_can_improve_your_practice/