Primary objectives are: CLE through monthly programs; development of network within the legal community to provide service to the bench and bar; and certification. Membership in Waco Legal Professionals Association affords you opportunities for continuing legal education, growth in your chosen profession, and networking within the local community as well as membership in Texas Association of Legal
Professionals (Texas ALP) and National Association of Legal Support Professionals (NALS). Membership is open to all members of the legal service industry including legal secretaries, legal assistants, paralegals, Court Reporters, Process Servers, legal administrative staff, and attorneys. Our tri-level association is visionary and is continually implementing new programs. As a member, you have resources available for personal and professional improvement through education, certification, and leadership training, which is made available to you at a reduced rate. In 1997, the American Bar Association defined a legal assistant as "a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." Over the years, several certification programs have been established to help meet the need for the education and training of legal staff. Waco LPA provides information to those seeking certification in the NALS certifications: ALP--Accredited Legal Professional, CLP--Certified Legal Professional, and PP--Professional Paralegal. To assist you in preparing for a NALS Certification Exam, there are Online Study Groups available to all NALS members, followed by reviews specific to each exam and a general session with Test-Taking Tips. Continuing Legal Education
Access to continuing legal education is an important benefit of the tri-level association. Waco LPA hosts regular monthly meetings where members of the legal community speak on a wide range of topics. The meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month and are open to all members of the legal community. Additionally, Waco LPA offers an all-day education event at least once a year, whether in the Fall as "Back To The Books" or in the Spring as "Spring CLEaning." The state association, Texas ALP, hosts educational conferences each year in different locations around the state of Texas. Scholarship Program
In 1957, Waco LPA commenced its Scholarship Program. Depending on the amount of funds available, Waco LPA awards one or more scholarships per year.
