The JAGALP is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.  

Formed in 1974, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) was the first national paralegal association. Created as a non-profit federation, NFPA is an issues-oriented, policy-driven professional association, directed by its membership. Paralegals join NFPA because they want to be involved in determining the future of the paralegal profession. By joining NFPA, you join a national association that is working for you! NFPA – The Leader of the Paralegal Profession.

NFPA is comprised of local and state paralegal associations, as well as individual members. NFPA has grown from eight charter members to associations located in various states throughout the United States. This membership includes paralegal professionals working in traditional and non-traditional roles at law firms, corporations, government agencies, legal service agencies, and other law-related entities.

The paralegal profession is facing many changes. Since 1974, NFPA has supported the growth and expanded role of paralegals. NFPA members keep current and participate in these changes. As the leader of the paralegal profession, NFPA represents paralegals in many areas.

Monitor Legislative Activities – NFPA actively monitors legislative actions and proposed court changes. When necessary, NFPA responds with letters or by filing amicus briefs.

Present Testimony on Legislative Matters – NFPA will present written and oral testimony at government hearings and meetings held by local, state and national bar associations.

Representation – NFPA represents paralegals’ interests by preparing letters and amicus briefs to educate attorneys and judges on the vital role played by paralegals in the delivery of quality legal services.

Professional and Ethics Issues – NFPA continues to research and analyze issues that affect the paralegal profession. Recent issues include exempt vs. non-exempt, ethics, recoverability of fees, and definitions of a paralegal; see page 4.

Representation with National Legal Associations – NFPA works closely with the American Bar Association, (ABA), the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the International Paralegal Managers Association (IPMA), and other legal national associations.

Committee and Commission Representation – NFPA sponsors a representative on the ABA’s Approval Commission, which works with the ABA’s Standing Committee on Legal Assistants.

Professional Development – As the profession evolves, paralegals can depend on NFPA to offer innovative opportunities for growth. Recent examples include online continuing legal education courses, courses of study in preparation for the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE®) or the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE®), and review/approval of textbooks and other reference materials for practicing paralegals and student paralegals.

Internet – The first professional legal organization to offer a server on the Internet, NFPA’s www.paralegals.org provides viewers with information on areas such as continuing education, career issues, career development, and current legal activities. Only NFPA members can participate in special list serves and chats to exchange information and ideas with other paralegals. To provide the greatest benefit, networking groups are segmented by practice area.

PACE/PCCE – To support the expanded role of paralegals within the legal community, NFPA’s membership voted to develop PACE and later PCCE. PACE allows experienced paralegals to validate job skills by becoming a PACE Registered Paralegal. PCCE allows early-career and entry-level paralegals to demonstrate competency by becoming a CORE Registered Paralegal.

Educational Issues – NFPA supports the growth and expansion of the paralegal profession by addressing educational issues for the practicing paralegal and paralegal students.

NFPA was formed to:

• foster, promote and develop the profession;
• monitor legislation, case law and ethics’ opinions affecting the profession;
• maintain a nationwide communications network;
• advance the educational standards of the profession; and
• conduct seminars, research issues and engage in other matters relating to the profession.

Paralegals join NFPA because they want to be involved in determining the future of the paralegal profession. By joining NFPA, you join a national association that is working for you!