RIPA and the NFPA

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Since 1982, RIPA has been a voting member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).  Founded in 1974, NFPA was the first national paralegal association.  Created as a non-profit federation, NFPA is an issues-driven, policy-oriented professional association directed by its membership.  It is comprised of more than 50 member associations and represents over 11,000 individual members reflecting a broad range of experience, education and diversity.  It was also the first national association to have a website (see link above).  NFPA’s Mission Statement and Core Purpose delineate its dedication to the advancement of the paralegal profession and leadership in the legal community. 

NFPA prides itself on the professionalism of its members and routinely monitors legislation, case law, proposed changes to the rules of responsibility and ethics opinions that affect the paralegal profession.  Since its inception, NFPA has assisted the profession in addressing many issues associated with the growth and expanded role of the paralegal

2021 NFPA
Annual Convention & Awards

Our Representatives

Patricia Lyons, RP - Primary
Melanie Catineault, Secondary

Code of Ethics

NFPA Model Code of Ethics
File Size: 40 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

History of the NFPA

1974  |  Eight associations come together to found NFPA®. Among the first orders of business are:  A draft Code of Ethics.   The establishment of a task force regarding certification. 

1976  |  Newsletter launched. 

1978  |  Resolution passed that NFPA® will incorporate.  Membership is now 15 organizations; nearly double. 

1983  |  NFPA® appoints its first representative to the ABA  Executive Director hired.   Membership increased to 27 associations with a total of over 6,000 individuals. 

1987  |  Definition of "paralegal" agreed upon. "Paralegal" and "Legal Assistant" deemed interchangeable. 

1990  |  Eight new member associations join this year alone. 

1995  |  Paralegals.org website established. Believed to be the first website dedicated to the profession.  Resolution passes to create a foundation which will use the proceeds from the PACE® program for the benefit of not just the NFPA® but the entire paralegal profession.

1996  |  PACE Registered Paralegal® certification program launches.

1999  |  Term limits established for Board members. 2003 NFPA® is now 55 associations, over 13,000 individuals, strong!

2006  |  The Foundation for the Advancement of the Paralegal Profession is re-established.