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 MISSION STATEMENT
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.
Upcoming Events
The first MPA Continuing Education Seminar will be held on July 23, 2010 at the Minnesota School of Business , IDS Center Classroom in Minneapolis, MN.
The cost for MPA members is $25.00. The cost for non-members is $35.00.
Click here for more information and to register.
News
2010 MPA Paralegal Awards-The MPA is excited to announce the Outstanding Paralegal Newcomer Award and the Outstanding Paralegal Award. By providing this opportunity to our members, we wish to reward outstanding paralegals in the State of Minnesota. Click here for the 2010 MPA Paralegal Awards Nomination Form.
MPA AMAZON.COM STORE!!! - Don't forget to utilize the MPA Amazon.com Store this Holiday Season! By doing so, a small portion of each sale will be donated to your favorite Non-Profit. Click below to access!
Pro Bono Opportunities - Interested in pro bono work? Take our Pro Bono Survey and let us know what you want and how we can help. Also check out our Pro Bono Page for volunteer opportunities!
2010 MPA LEADERSHIP Opportunities- It is that time of year again! Ever thought about becoming a leader of the MPA? Now is the perfect time to seize that opportunity and begin making a difference. If you're interested in becoming a MPA leader (must be a Voting Member to fill an Officer, a Director or a Sectional Chair position), please fill out the 2010 Self-Nomination Form and submit to nominations@mnparalegals.org.
NEW MEMBER BENEFIT! Check out the MEMBERS ONLY - Bulletin Board where members can discuss hot topics in their specific area of law!
MPA CAREER CENTER - Check out our new and improved Job Bank, powered by career services leader JobTarget. It provides the perfect gateway to assist our members to find job opportunities throughout the State of Minnesota. If you are a MPA Member and purchase a package, your Member Number is the same as your Member Password.
