KPA

Kansas Paralegal Association

MISSION STATEMENT

The Kansas Paralegal Association, Inc. (KPA) is a nonprofit, professional organization comprised of three districts in the State of Kansas. KPA affirms the paralegal profession as an independent, self-directed profession in affiliation with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) and maintains working relationships with state and local bar associations. KPA provides a local forum for exchange of ideas, creative development, continuing education, and promotes recognition of the profession as an integral partner in the delivery of legal services.

KPA is a professional association which offers membership to paralegals/legal assistants, students, paralegal educators, and institutions with an interest in supporting the purposes of the organization. KPA was incorporated on June 16, 1977 as a non-profit organization under the name of The Kansas Legal Assistants Society. In 1996 the organization changed its name to Kansas Paralegal Association. The goals and purposes of KPA are to:

Promote and maintain high standards in the paralegal profession;

Foster creative expansion of the paralegal career;

Provide a forum for meeting and exchanging ideas; and,

Establish and maintain mutually beneficial working relationships with local, state and national paralegal and bar associations.

KPA is comprised of three districts covering the state of Kansas. The association is governed by a Board of Directors composed of state officers and district directors. Board meetings are held throughout the year in various locations in the state and are open to interested KPA members.

The organization holds its annual membership meeting each spring in conjunction with an educational seminar. District meetings are held on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and offer members opportunities to address professional issues, enhance their education and exchange ideas with other paralegals.

DEFINITION OF A PARALEGAL

As adopted by KPA on June 5, 1987 a paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by an attorney, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of an attorney, or specifically delegated, substantive legal work, which work, for the most part, requires sufficient knowledge of legal concepts that, absent such assistant, the attorney would perform the task.

CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of every paralegal to adhere strictly to the accepted standards of legal ethics and to live by principles of proper conduct.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

KPA offers educational opportunities through district meetings and "mini-seminars". KPA works closely with paralegal educators to coordinate activities for and with paralegal students (speakers bureau, mentor program).

EMPLOYMENT REGISTRY

A job referral service is available to KPA members seeking new employment opportunities. The KPA Job Registry advertises openings in the legal community to its members free of charge.

COMMITTEES

KPA encourages its members to participate in its many committees, such as education, membership, marketing and national affairs.

NATIONAL AFFILIATION

In June, 1985, KPA became a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ("NFPA"). Through membership in NFPA, members of KPA participate on a national level in developments affecting the paralegal profession. The KPA Board has two ex officio members who serve as representatives to NFPA and attend the NFPA mid-year and annual meetings. The NFPA provides representation to professional organizations addressing legal concerns and paralegal education and professional issues. KPA and its members also obtain information on professional development and issues of a national scope. KPA members receive NFPA's quarterly magazine, National Paralegal Reporter and NFPA's quarterly report the Alert on policy issues affecting paralegals,

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

KPA interacts with the Kansas Bar Association (KBA) to enhance understanding of the paralegal profession. Associate membership in the KBA is open to paralegals. Each year our Board appoints KPA members to serve on the KBA Legal Assistants Committee. KPA also offers members opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with other professionals in the legal field.

LIBRARY

A library of resource materials is maintained for the use of KPA members at no charge. The library contains video/audio tapes, articles, seminar manuals, books and pamphlets. These materials cover legal issues, areas of the law and personal and professional development topics.

KPAInBrief is the official publication of KPA. This monthly newsletter contains articles regarding local and national issues, as well as information on KPA events and programs and is uploaded to the website the first of each month.