Become a Member

RIPA's membership consists of voting, non-voting, student and sustaining members. Membership categories for paralegals are determined through education and experience. Interested law firms, institutions and corporations are welcome to join as sustaining members.  
Memberships begin annually on July 1.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:
(All Membership categories include NFPA membership)

Student Membership
Must be a student currently enrolled in a program leading to an Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree or Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Student Membership is limited to members who do not qualify as voting, associate or sustaining members.

Voting Membership
Meets one or more of the following requirements:

• A Bachelors Degree in Paralegal Studies plus one (1) year minimum employment as a paralegal;
• Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies plus two (2) years minimum employment as a paralegal;
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies plus two (2) years minimum employment as a paralegal; or
• Five (5) or more years of employment as a paralegal (degree not a prerequisite).

Voting members are entitled to vote on all matters requiring the vote of members of the Corporation.

Non-Voting Membership (Associate)
Meets one or more of the following requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Paralegal Studies, but less than one (1) year employment as a paralegal;
• Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies, but less than two (2) years employment as a paralegal;
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies, but less than two (2) years employment as a paralegal; or
• Less than five years employment as a paralegal (degree not a prerequisite).

Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote on matters requiring the vote of members of the organization.

Sustaining Membership
Corporations, law firms, colleges/universities. 

How to apply:

1. Download the 2023-2024 RIPA Application below
2. Print out the Application
3. Fill out the Application
4. Mail the COMPLETED and SIGNED application along with a check or money order made payable to "RIPA" 
5. Please be sure your name is on the memo line of the check or money order 
6. Dues can now be paid via Venmo - @RIparalegal​
7. Mail both application and payment to the address listed below or at the top of the application

ripa_membership_application_2023.pdf
File Size:	61 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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NOTE: Please remember to promptly send your check, made payable to "Rhode Island Paralegal Association," to:

Rhode Island Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 1003
Providence, RI 02901
Dues can now be paid via Venmo - @RIparalegal

Your membership is not valid until RIPA receives your payment.