The paralegal profession emerged in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, driven by attorneys seeking assistance with paperwork, case investigations, and general administrative tasks. As the demand for legal support grew, the American Bar Association (ABA) established the Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. This committee aimed to standardize the paralegal-attorney relationship, define employment guidelines, and clarify the roles of paralegals, also known as legal assistants. The ABA’s committee, formed in the late 1960s, comprises both attorneys and experienced paralegals. The ABA also offers a certification program for paralegal education institutions, ensuring quality standards in legal assistant training.
Beyond the ABA, several prominent national organizations support paralegals in the United States, significantly shaping the profession.
Two major organizations, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), collectively represent over 30,000 paralegals nationwide. While both organizations are dedicated to advancing the paralegal profession, they have historically differed on preferred terminology, with NFPA favoring “paralegal” and NALA advocating for “legal assistant.”
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is an organization dedicated to paralegal education. It focuses on creating uniform education standards.
A more recent organization, the American Alliance of Paralegals, was founded in 2003. It quickly became a significant voice in the field, setting minimum educational requirements and guidelines for members. Membership requires meeting specific educational or work experience criteria for voting privileges.
For paralegals considering joining a national professional organization, researching local associations is crucial. Many national organizations have state and regional chapters. Connecting with local paralegals can provide insights into the benefits and professional development opportunities offered by these organizations.
For those new to the paralegal field or currently in training, professional memberships can be invaluable for career advancement. Organizations offering networking events and job boards can be particularly beneficial. Students can also explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities through these organizations. Contacting various paralegal organizations is highly recommended to gather information tailored to your legal career path.
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