Paralegal Resource Guide: Organizations and Associations

This American Bar Association (ABA) committee promotes the use of paralegals and sets standards for paralegal education programs.

This 2007 article is a bit outdated, but it is a starting point for considering the effect that state regulations have on the work of paralegals.

The homepage of this national paralegal organization features a roundup of regulatory developments affecting paralegals, as well as a quick "in the news" section.

This association serves educators in paralegal programs. Students and paralegals may be interested in AAfPE's position statements, linked beneath the "About AAfPE" tab.

Increasing the visiblity of its legal managers (in firms and elsewhere) is among this association's goals. The website's "Legal Management Resources" section includes links to helpful documents and web resources.

Originally formed to promote legal secretaries' careers, NALS now has a broader scope and its website has an Online Learning Center, with Online Study Groups covering the law and other aspects of wokring with lawyers.

NALA's focus is largely on the continuing education of paralegals, and it runs a voluntary certification program. Notable among its homepage sections are "About Paralegals," with links to salary and billing information, and "Certification," with information about its voluntary certification program for paralegals.

This is a national organization, with more than 50 local member associations, that advocates for paralegals. Look to the "Legal Resources" section (in blue at the top of your screen) for helpful research links, including one to "Sites for Specialty Practice."

Billing itself as a place "where paralegals connect," this site has a more informal feel than that of the major paralegal associations' sites. See the wide variety of links in the white "For Paralegals" box and look through the archive of of video tips from paralegals to paralegals.

This Chicago area association promotes the use of paralegals and provides a state-wide association for their interaction. A calendar of events and a link (under "About IPA") to the organization's Illinois Code of Paralegal Ethics are among the site's worthwhile features.

A current news blog and links to specialty information, including items about the regulation of paralegals, are notable features of this association's homepage.

Michiana includes northeastern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. This association publishes an e-newsletter and holds regular dinner meetings with speakers to educate and support its members.

Useful "News" and Articles" sections are good resources on the site of this association serving northeast Indiana paralegals.

This association serves paralegals in our neighboring state to the north. Use "Links of Interest" to get to a manageable list of resources, including Wisconsin statutes, of interest to the state's paralegals.