News:

• There are currently two PACE Study Groups preparing for PACE in the Twin Cities, with several other paralegals interested in forming a study group in the future. If you are looking for a study group opportunity, please contact Debra Jones, RP, your PACE Ambassador, for more information.
  
• American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS) 2008 On-Line Review Course Dates:
              March 10, 2008 
              April 21, 2008 
              June 9, 2008 
              July 21, 2008 
              September 15, 2008 
              October 20, 2008

BE A PACE-SETTER WITH MPA

     The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is a proficiency-based exam, designed to test the competency level of experienced paralegals. It is one of a kind. Upon successful completion, a paralegal may use the designation “PACE Registered Paralegal,” “Registered Paralegal,” or “RP.”

The purpose of PACE is:

• to provide the groundwork for expanding paralegal roles and responsibilities;
• to provide the public and legal community with a mechanism to gauge the competency of the experienced paralegal; and
• to be used in states considering regulation of experienced paralegals.

Key Points of PACE are:
PACE is offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) to test the competency level of experienced paralegals. http://www.paralegals.org

PACE is offered to paralegals who have a minimum of two years' experience and meet specific educational requirements outlined below.

PACE is designed for professional paralegals who want to pioneer the expansion of paralegal roles for the future of the profession, not to restrict entry into the profession.

PACE  is a fair and independent exam developed by Professional Examination Services (PES). a nonprofit corporation who promotes and provides services pertaining to sound licensure and certification practices. PES administers the PACE exam. http://www.proexam.org

PACE  is voluntarily offered to paralegals who have the option to sit for the exam at more than 200 Thomson Prometric Testing Centers. http://www.prometric.com

PACE is a key component of proposals pertaining to regulation of the profession; thus, all paralegals are encouraged to take the PACE exam.

NFPA requires the PACE RP to maintain credentialing by requiring 12 hours of continuing legal education, including at least one hour in ethics, every two years.

I.  Experience and Education requirements include one of the following:

An associates degree in paralegal studies obtained from an institutionally accredited school, and/or ABA approved paralegal education program; and six (6) years substantive paralegal experience; OR

A bachelor's degree in any course of study obtained from an institutionally accredited school and three (3) years of substantive paralegal experience; OR

A bachelor's degree and completion of a paralegal program with an institutionally accredited school, said paralegal program may be embodied in a bachelor's degree; and two (2) years substantive paralegal experience; OR

Four (4) years substantive paralegal experience on or before December 31, 2000.
Overview of the PACE examination:

The exam is divided into five “domains.” Each domain is a weighted percentage of the exam. The PACE test specifications and percentages for each domain are:

Tasks in Domain I.
Administration of Client Legal Matters - 23%
Task Statements
Conduct a conflict check.
Develop, organize, and maintain a client file.
Develop and maintain a calendar/"tickler" system.
Develop and maintain Databases.
Coordinate events, activities, and services related to client matters.

Tasks in Domain II.
Development of Client Legal Matters - 30%
Task Statements
Interview prospective client.
Analyze facts and information gathered from client.
Serve as liaison among client, counsel, and other resources.
Collaborate with counsel, client, consultants, and other resources on an ongoing basis.
Prepare and/or coordinate the preparation of legal and factual documents, exhibits, evidence, and/or other information related to client matter.
Prepare, file, and serve documents related to client matter.
Prepare client, witnesses, experts, counsel, and other individuals for legal proceedings and events.
Assist client, counsel, and other individuals.
Facilitate disposition of client legal matters.

Tasks in Domain III.
Factual and Legal Research - 22%
Task Statements
Obtain factual, procedural, legal, and other types of information.
Investigate and compile facts and information from internal or external sources.
Inspect and evaluate relevant evidence and/or information.
Ascertain legal authority.
Analyze relevant legal authorities to determine their applicability to client matter.
Validate and update legal research.
Acquire current information.

Tasks in Domain IV.
Factual and Legal Writing - 20.5%
Task Statements
Communicate with client, counsel, and other individuals or entities.
Prepare and/or draft documents.
Prepare and/or draft analytical documents.

Tasks in Domain V.
Office Administration - 4.5%
Task Statements
Coordinate activities to create an efficient and effective work environment.
Acquire technology and materials.
Coordinate and utilize vendor services.
Create and/or maintain a library of legal and factual resources.
Develop and maintain a billing system.
Manage work flow.
Educate current and prospective clients.

Preparing for the Future

PACE presents a bold opportunity to all paralegals to advance the profession. This exam provides hard facts about the competency of experienced paralegals. While PACE does not address all the possible areas of a paralegal’s work experience, it does provide the legal service industry with a standard from which to evaluate the competency level of experienced paralegals.

COME JOIN THE RACE AND BE A PACE-SETTER WITH MPA.

RP . . . the mark of excellence

PACE . . . recognizing paralegal excellence

MPA Supports NFPA and Salutes
the 24 Registered Paralegals In Minnesota

Janette L. Aalbers, RP Denise K. Benedict, RP Lori A. Brandon, RP Joanne L. Byrd, RP Angela K. Cope, RP Paula M. Corrigan, RP Lori A. Daniel, RP Nancy A. Dowling, RP Mary A. Ford, RP Dawn M. Hennagir, RP Mary K. Huizel, RP Kelly M. Huneke, RP

Stacy L. Kohlnhofer, RP Susan F. Labonte, RP Amber J. Lang, RP Judith A. Lutgen Tara L. McFarland, RP Sheila M. Olson, RP Christopher T. Reiter, RP Gayle M. Schaub, RP Angela M. Schneeman, RP Jessica K. Segal, RP Doris S. Wente, RP Stephanie A. Zimmerli, RP

Contact Information:

PACE Ambassador
Debra Jones, RP
Greene Espel P.L.L.P.
200 S. Sixth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
P: (612) 373-8368
F: (612) 373-0929
PACE@mnparalegals.org