RHODE ISLAND PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION

Rhode Island Paralegals Association PO Box 1003 Providence, RI 02901 RhodeIsland@paralegals.org

The Rhode Island Paralegal Association (RIPA), incorporated in 1979, is a voluntary non-profit association. It works to enhance the recognition of the paralegal profession within the legal community. Members come from all areas of the legal community including private law firms, banks and corporations, the public sector and educational institutions.

NATIONAL AFFILIATION

In 1982, the RIPA became a voting member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Each year, RIPA selects a primary representative and a secondary representative as its delegates to NFPA. These representatives attend the NFPA annual and mid-year meetings and are our local voice on a national level. Our representatives receive monthly mailings from NFPA Headquarters which provide extensive information on issues concerning paralegals across the country. This information is relayed to you through the Parajournal.

RIPA PURPOSE:

• To foster active communications among paralegals and to act as a forum for the interchange of ideas.

• To promote and expand the utilization of paralegals.

• To participate in the development of the paralegal profession.

• To encourage and promote continuing education for paralegals.

• To improve relations between paralegals and the legal community.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

RIPA is managed by a board of directors, elected annually by the members. The officers of RIPA are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Board meetings are held monthly and are open to all members.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

• Voting Membership: Meets one or more of the following requirements:
  • A Bachelors Degree in any subject plus one (1) year employment as a paralegal; or
  • A Bachelors Degree in paralegal studies; or
  • An Associates Degree in any subject plus three (3) years employment as a paralegal; or
  • A minimum of five (5) years employment as a paralegal.
  Voting members are entitled to vote on all matters requiring the vote of members of the Corporation.

• Associate Membership: Meets one or more of the following requirements:
  • Has a Bachelors Degree in any subject, be working as a paralegal; and
    Have less than one (1) year employment as a paralegal;
  • Has an Associates Degree in paralegal studies with less than three (3) years employment as a paralegal; or
  • Has an associates Degree in any subject with four (4) or more years employment as a paralegal;
  Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote on matters requiring the vote of members of the Corporation.

• Student Membership: Must be a student currently enrolled in a program leading to an Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree in paralegal studies. Student Members shall not be entitled to vote on matters requiring the vote of members of the Corporation.

  Please Note: Student Membership is limited to members who do not qualify as voting, associate or sustaining.

• Sustaining Membership: Corporations, law firms, colleges/universities.

  (See attached application)

  RIPA's membership consists of voting, non-voting and sustaining members. Membership categories for paralegals are determined through education and experience. Interested individuals, institutions and corporations are welcome to join as sustaining members.

COMMITTEES:

Publications

The Publications Committee is responsible for publishing the RIPA Parajournal and disseminating press releases.

Policy and Issues

The Policy and Issues Committee researches matters affecting the paralegal profession, such as accreditation, certification and ethics. It responds to requests from NFPA for local feedback on national issues.

Education

The Education Committee plans and sponsors seminars and continuing education programs taught by paralegals, attorneys and others with expertise in various areas of the law.

Membership

The Membership Committee responds to inquiries from potential members, processes new member applications and maintains an updated mailing list.

Job Bank

The Job Bank Committee accepts resumes from paralegals seeking employment and keeps the legal and business communities apprised of the availability of qualified paralegals. This service is offered at no charge to our members.

Programs

The Programs Committee plans activities and events, primarily social in nature, for the membership. It coordinates facilities and refreshments for these events.

Pro Bono

Provides paralegals with volunteer opportunities in the public interest.

Application for Rhode Island Paralegal Association membership.