Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association (VAPPA) is a voluntary, non-profit, nonsectarian, non-union, non-partisan organization composed of (i) paralegals who are interested in furthering their professional development and are dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession; (ii) legal educators and organizations that are interested in promotion of the paralegal profession; and (iii) stud
ents who are currently enrolled in paralegal education programs. (NALA) www.nala.org, a professional association for paralegals incorporated in 1975 in response to the need for a voice for paralegals nationwide. Over the years, NALA has grown to represent over 18,000 paralegals through its individual members, affiliated state and local associations, and certified legal assistants. VAPA is comprised of nine paralegal associations and three area liaisons representing over 1,500 paralegals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Go to www.vaparalegalalliance.org for more information on the Alliance. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN VAPPA
Meetings:VAPPA has monthly meetings where attorneys and others in the legal field present programs specifically designed to enhance our knowledge and skills in substantive areas of law. Under the auspices of NALA, continuing legal education credit for attendance is earned by those paralegals who attend such meetings. Seminars:VAPPA conducts a seminar every other year for more extensive legal education of our members and guests; these seminars, open to the public, are presented by attorneys, legal educators, and others in the legal field. CLA Certification Study Group:VAPPA, through its affiliation with NALA, conducts a study group designed to guide paralegals toward CLA certification. CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) certification is awarded upon successful completion of a comprehensive two-day examination. Certification bestows a measure of professional recognition to those persons who achieve significant competence in the legal field. Although the goal of certification is a voluntary commitment, the CLA designation is recognized in the legal community as denoting a high standard of professionalism and excellence.
