How to Join the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Missouri

Are you a paralegal, or are you studying to become one? You may want to give some thought to joining the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Formed in 1974, NFPA currently has over 60 organizational members and over 15,000 paralegal and student members. It is a member-directed group, organized to enhance ethical standards for the paralegal profession, increase the profession's visibility, and create and foster new associations and communication pathways dedicated to advancement of the paralegal profession.

Paralegals are defined by the NFPA as persons "qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer." Paralegals may be hired as independent contractors or employed by lawyers, law firms, government agencies, or other organizations to perform "substantive legal work" which is defined as "work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts." The benefits to NFPA membership are numerous, and include both intangible (and invaluable) rewards such as networking, contacts, and career advancement, and tangible economic and professional benefits such as:

• Car rental discounts
• Discounts on legal-subject software
• Discounted delivery service rates
• And other benefits.

For a full list of the benefits available to NFPA members, visit this page.

1. Check to see if there is a local member organization in your area. NFPA encourages paralegals and students interested in membership to first join a regional organization that is a group member of NFPA. Doing so automatically qualifies the individual for NFPA membership. Check this page to see if there is an organizational member near you. Alternately, consider forming such a group and applying for NFPA membership directly! The fee for organizations is $200 per year, and the same application form may be used (see step 3 below).
   
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Author: Sheryl Schelin