What is the Minnesota Paralegal Association?
The Minnesota Paralegal Association ("MPA") was formed in 1974 as the Minnesota Association of Legal Assistants and changed its name to its present form in 1994. MPA is affiliated with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ("NFPA") and was one of their charter associations. MPA has grown to become the pre-eminent paralegal association in the State of Minnesota and one of the largest in the country. MPA is proud to represent and to be the voice of approximately one thousand members statewide.
MPA is a voluntary, non-profit professional association composed of paralegals living or working in the State of Minnesota dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the paralegal profession by:
- Promoting a high standard of professionalism to the legal community as well as the general public;
- Encouraging communication among paralegals and related organizations;
- Supporting the ongoing education and professional development of paralegals;
- Encouraging pro bono or community service involvement through MPA or other non-profit organizations;
- Promoting diversity of its members; and
- Demonstrating a commitment to honesty and integrity of all members.
Definition of a Paralegal:
MPA defines a paralegal as a person 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. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, government agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. It is not the intent of MPA to exclude any member of the legal profession whose job duties fit the definition of paralegal but whose job title is something other than "paralegal". Additionally, the term "substantive" shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communications of relevant facts and legal concepts.
News
THIS JUST IN! Governor Pawlenty has just signed a Proclamation declaring the week of June 14-20 Paralegal Week in the State of Minnesota. Click here to view the Proclamation!
NEW MEMBER BENEFIT!
Check out the MEMBERS ONLY - Bulletin Board where members can discuss hot topics in their specific area of law!
NEW MPA JOB BANK
Finding that perfect job is something on which we know our members place a great deal of importance. To that end, the MPA announces its NEWEST benefit to its members - a Web-based career center that connects job seekers with statewide prospective employers. Our new Job Bank, powered by career services leader JobTarget, provides the perfect gateway to assist our members to find job opportunities throughout the State of Minnesota. We also now provide MPA members discounts on job postings. It also has an anonymous resume system that enables you to stay connected to the paralegal marketplace while maintaining full control over your confidential information. Check our new Job Bank today! If you are a MPA Member and purchase a package, your Member Number is the same as your Member Password.
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
MPA ANNUAL CONVENTION
MPA's 2009 Annual Convention will be held on June 19, 2009 at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America (Bloomington). Click here to view the Convention Brochure. Registration is now CLOSED. No refunds will be given for any cancellations after June 5, 2009.
