Join the
WNYPA
Joining Us
Why Join the WNYPA?
Some of the benefits of the joining the Western New York Paralegal Association include:
- All benefits of membership in the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (“NFPA”) and the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (“ESAPA”)
- Direct contact with over 200 local paralegals who share your professional interests, educational background, and employment situations
- Continuing legal education opportunities, including both formal seminars and informal specialty-section presentations, designed specifically for paralegals
- Opportunities for professional development including access to Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (“PACE”) study group
- Access to WNYPA’s online Job Bank Service and, through reciprocal agreements with other NFPA member associations, information regarding career opportunities nationwide
- E-mail notification of monthly general membership meetings (September – May) and access to career-related information disseminated at such meetings
- On-line access to WNYPA’s award-winning newsletter, Paramount
- Access to WNYPA’s member only “Discussion Forum,” an on-line bulletin board for the exchange of career-related news and information as well as member opinions
- Ability to influence WNYPA policy and the future development of the paralegal profession through direct participation in Association activities including committee membership and contributions to Paramount and the Discussion Forum
- Access to news of national, state, and local legislation, decisions, and events affecting the paralegal profession
- Peer recognition and affirmation
- Networking opportunities provided by WNYPA sponsored social events
- All benefits of membership in the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (“NFPA”) and the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (“ESAPA”) including discounts at Disney World, Dell and Liberty Mutual.
Membership Qualifications
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
An Active Member shall be defined as any employed paralegal having a title of paralegal, legal assistant, nurse paralegal, or paralegal assistant or, if self-employed or employed under another title, having a significant number of duties and responsibilities normally associated with a paralegal position, and who meets the requirements set forth in any one of the following seven (7) categories:
- possesses a baccalaureate degree, a certificate from a paralegal training program and at least six (6) months working experience in a paralegal capacity;
- possesses a baccalaureate degree and at least one (1) year working experience in a paralegal capacity;
- possesses an associate degree in paralegal studies and at least one (1) year working experience in a paralegal capacity;
- possesses an associate degree and at least two (2) years working experience in a paralegal capacity;
- possesses a high school diploma, a certificate from a paralegal training program and at least three (3) years working experience in a paralegal capacity;
- possesses a high school diploma and at least four (4) years working experience in a paralegal capacity; or
- was an Active Member in good standing of the Association as of December 20, 1988.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
An Associate Member shall be defined as any employed paralegal not qualifying for active membership or any unemployed paralegal. An Associate Member shall not be entitled to vote but shall have all other privileges of active membership.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
A Student Member shall be defined as any student currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, who does not meet the requirements to maintain the designation Active Member. A Student Member shall not be entitled to vote but shall have all of the other privileges of active membership.
WNYPA is a Member of the