Friday, February 5, 2010

Top Paralegal Associations

There are active paralegal organizations in all of the states and in regions for many of the larger states.  Generally they are affiliated with either the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).  Most provide continuing education opportunities, one of the staples for certified paralegals.

This is a partial list, but it’s a good resource if you are looking for assistance in learning about licensure requirements in a particular state, about continuing education requirements and in many cases, about job opportunities.  These organizations maintain themselves through new memberships, which are usually professionals new to the industry or those who are still students.  Most are willing to provide help and support to paralegal students, graduates and job seekers.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado, Montana and Wyoming

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Here is a list of organizations affiliated with the profession but not necessarily with any particular area of the country.

The American Bar Association has come to recognize the paralegal profession and today provides information on the profession as it relates to the Bar and the practice of law, on licensure, on state activity, and a (dated) survey of the characteristics of approved educational facilities for paralegal students. 

Search Paralegal Schools Online

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

DeVry University

DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Westwood College

Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.

Virginia College

Virginia College Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.