Redwood Empire Legal Assistants (RELA) was established in 1981 as a professional and educational organization for legal assistants and paralegals. The organization is dedicated to promoting a paralegal profession of the highest standard.

The organization strives to encourage ethical and professional attainment, continuing education, and good fellowship among legal assistants, paralegals, the legal community, and the community at large.

RELA is governed by a Board of Directors which is elected annually by the voting membership. Members of the Board liaison with active committees which function through the volunteer efforts of RELA members. Members are encouraged to lend their time and talents to any of the four standing committees:

Education:

• Provides continuing education opportunities through monthly meetings and annual workshops.
• Awards the RELA scholarship to a qualified student at the Sonoma State University Attorney Assistant Program.
• Contributes informational and educational articles to RELA's newsletter.

Membership:

• Communicates with and registers new members.
• Compiles an annual membership directory.
• Hosts monthly membership meetings.
• Conducts periodic salary surveys.

Newsletter:

• Publishes a quarterly newsletter designed to promote communications within RELA.
• Updates RELA members on issues, events, and educational opportunities.

Public Relations:

• Promotes RELA to the legal community and the public at large.
• Disseminates press releases.
• Serves as liaison to the Sonoma County Bar Association.

RELA offers meetings for members, guests and visitors on the third Wednesday of each month. The times and locations are announced by a monthly notice.

The meetings provide an excellent opportunity for networking, learning, and the exchanging of ideas.

RELA's membership consists primarily of legal assistants and paralegals working with law firms, corporations, and public agencies. Membership is also available to students, paralegal educators, attorneys, and other persons interested in the development of our profession.

RELA membership benefits include:

• Job Hotline
• Membership Directory
• CAPA Affiliation
• Group Health Insurance
• Legislative Update
• Legal Issues Update
• Statewide Salary Survey
• Mentoring Program
• Reduced rates for local Bar Association events and education programs