The Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA) was formed in 1972 by local paralegals in response to the growing need for an organized professional association throughout the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Region. LAPA was incorporated in October 1977 as a California non-profit mutual benefit corporation. LAPA is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, including an Executive Committee, and a network of committees that involve dozens of volunteers. LAPA has a professional Administrative Officer, whose duties include maintenance of the membership database and implementation of projects as authorized by the Board of Directors. More than 1,100 paralegals are members of LAPA, making it the largest paralegal association in the United States.

LAPA is dedicated to the development of the paralegal profession. LAPA provides invaluable opportunities for paralegal professional development and networking. LAPA achieves these goals by offering continuing legal educational programs and multiple services for paralegals and members of the legal community throughout the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. LAPA builds communication bridges with other paralegal associations and maintains a mutually beneficial working relationship with local and national bar associations, educational institutions, and hundreds of businesses serving the legal community. LAPA also is an active participant in and advocate of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations.

Monthly Networking Meetings & Seminars - Meetings are held in downtown Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, the Glendale/Burbank/Pasadena area, and the South Bay/Long Beach area.

Legal Specialty Sections - LAPA sections include Probate & Estate Planning, Litigation, Corporate, Real Estate, all of which give seminars monthly.

October Seminar & Convention - This is the premier event of the year, an all-day educational/network convention attended by hundreds of paralegals and dozens of vendors with expert, high-profile speakers and special dignitaries.

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Study Groups - Earning the CLA designation advances paralegal careers, yields tangible benefits and strengthens the profession. Study groups offer the knowledge to pass the test.

General Membership Meetings, Holiday Party - Members voice opinions on the direction of the profession and the association at free annual general membership meetings. The free holiday party and officer installation ceremony is just for fun and making new friends.

The Reporter, a Monthly Newsletter - LAPA's monthly publication, The Reporter, is packed with articles and advertising of local, state and national interest to paralegals. The Reporter provides a calendar of events, continuing legal education programs, and reports on actions of LAPA's Board of Directors.

CAPA Membership - LAPA is a founding member of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations, which was organized to promote and maintain communications among California associations, the State Bar and the California Legislature on matters affecting paralegals and the legal community. CAPA supports and advocates a paralegal "Code of Ethics." In addition to invaluable networking and professional advancement opportunities, CAPA membership also yields specific benefits, including: RECAP - LAPA members receive CAPA's official quarterly public reports on issues of statewide importance to paralegals; and, Other Benefits - LAPA membership also secures access to comprehensive medical, dental and vision care plans designed with the paralegal in mind. Medicare supplements, group and individual plans, and retirement programs also are available.

Federal Credit Union - Joining LAPA provides access to Courts & Records Federal Credit Union. Benefits include checking and savings accounts, holiday and vacation clubs, individual retirement accounts, discounted home and auto loans, a personal credit line, and credit cards. Members also are eligible for group legal services, income tax services and discounts to local amusement parks.

FAX Resume Bank - LAPA's unique FAX Resume Bank places LAPA member resumes before employers typically on the same day a position becomes available.

Membership Directory - This listing of all members of LAPA and contact information on other organizations and vendors is an invaluable networking tool.

Annual Employment and Salary Survey - Every year LAPA conducts a region-wide survey to bring paralegals the latest developments in employment opportunities, and trends affecting salary and benefits.

Paralegal Schools' List - Paralegal schools throughout California submit information to LAPA. It is a complete listing of educational institutions offering paralegal programs.

Paralegal Scholarships - LAPA organizes an annual essay contest, awarding the winners cash scholarships for use toward their paralegal education.