Are you a member of a paralegal organization? If not, you may want to consider joining one. Being a member can be beneficial as you may find inside tips on job openings, networking opportunities, internship opportunities, and staying up to date on issues in the legal industry. You could join a local paralegal organization as it may help you connect with local professionals. Most paralegal organizations are affiliated with national organizations such as the National Federation of the Paralegal Associations (NFPA), National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and the American Bar Association (ABA).

National Federation of the Paralegal Associations

The NFPA has 52 paralegal associations. Membership benefits include discounts on NFPA Annual Convention rates, free access to the annual Joint Conference, and a free subscription to the National Paralegal Reporter Magazine. You can find a local member association near you on the NFPA website.

The NFPA encourages individuals and representatives to become involved in the field on a national level. Members can raise issues for studies, research, and reviews through appointed coordinators and an ad hoc committee. At the conventions, members can democratically debate and vote on raised issues. Policy positions have to pass with a two-thirds vote in order to be passed.

There are three types of memberships: individual sustaining membership ($47.50), military membership ($22.50), and student membership ($25). The other three types of memberships are for groups only: associate membership, organizational membership, and paralegal association.

National Association of Legal Assistants

The other national organization to consider joining is NALA.  NALA is a non-profit organization that provides continuing education and professional development programs for paralegals in all stages of their career. NALA represents 18,000 paralegals across the nation and sets professional standards of the profession. NALA even offers a certification program that has been running for 30 years. The organization’s continuing education programs also include publications, live seminars, and online programs. NALA, like NFPA, has a bi-monthly magazine that provides updated news and educational articles concerning various aspects of law.

Membership dues are billed annually. Active member dues are $140 per year (20% discount for active military or active military reserve). Associate members are $150 per year. Student members are $50 for the first two years. And sustaining members are $115 minimum.

American Bar Association

Lastly, the American Bar Association, the third major organization that paralegals should think about joining is the most long-standing and well-known legal organization in the United States. ABA sets the standards for ethics and professionalism for the legal profession as a whole. Paralegals who have graduated with a degree from an ABA-accredited school are generally seen as highly qualified upon graduation.  Joining the ABA can provide you a handful of resources to advance your career. Resources include educational, technology, and career resources.

If you found this article interesting, you may be interested in “A Fast and Easy Way to Schedule Out-of-Town Court Reporters”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Kay is a Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Brown & Jones Reporting, Inc. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Google+.

Tags: Paralegal, tips for paralegals

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