Rhode Island Paralegal Association
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About RIPA

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.

In 1982, RIPA became a voting member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).  Each year, we select a primary representative and a secondary representative as our 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 our newsletter, the ParaJournal, and this website.

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.

Our Mission

  • To foster active communications among Rhode Island's paralegal community 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 greater legal community.

Committees

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. 

Job Bank
The Job Bank Committee provides membership with a list of job openings. This service is offered at no charge to our members.

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

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. 

Publications
The Publications Committee is responsible for publishing RIPA's quarterly newsletter, the ParaJournal, disseminating press releases, as well as the design, development, and maintenance of our website, RIparalegals.org.

Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for maintaining ties with the community through the use of local media outlets and to coordinate involvement in community projects.

Pro Bono
Provides paralegals with volunteer opportunities in the public interest. 

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

Governance

 Leadership

RIPA is managed by a board of directors, elected annually by the members.  The officers of RIPA are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  We are represented in the NFPA by a primary and secondary representative.

Board meetings are held monthly at
Hackman & Phillips Elder Law 
and are open to all members, paralegal students or potential members.

2020-2021 Board of Directors:

Melanie Catineault
President, 
NFPA Secondary

Roselia Perez
Vice President 

Merrilee K. Welling
Treasurer

Nicole Rappoport
Secretary

Patricia Lyons, RP
NFPA Primary





© 2018 Rhode Island Paralegal Association