History and Purpose

The Western Massachusetts Paralegal Association (WMPA) is a voluntary, nonprofit association formed in 1988 to promote the professional development and continuing education of paralegals in the Western Massachusetts area. WMPA has adopted the following goals:

• To promote high professional and ethical standards in the education, training and employment of paralegals.
• To serve as a source of educational information for members, the legal community and the general public.
• To provide opportunities for the mutual association of paralegals and paralegal students to promote the general professional interests of paralegals.

Officers and Directors

The Bylaws of WMPA stipulate that the Association shall be directed by elected officers consisting of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Clerk. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers and the chairs of the standing committees and shall meet at least quarterly. The term of office for elected officers and chairs shall be two years.

National Affiliation

WMPA is a voting member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), a national non-profit professional organization comprised of state and local paralegal associations. NFPA was founded in 1974 and currently represents thousands of paralegals. NFPA provides paralegal associations with information regarding issues affecting paralegals while at the same time presenting a unified voice for the profession on the national level. Every member of WMPA is a member of NFPA and receives NFPA's bi-monthly publication, The National Paralegal Reporter. $30.00 of each WMPA member's dues is sent to NFPA for membership in NFPA and subscription to their publication.

Member Services

• Programs - WMPA holds general membership meetings throughout the year for discussion and to present topics and speakers of professional interest. WMPA's annual meeting is held in April. WMPA also sponsors an annual dinner as well as holiday gatherings.
• Continuing Education - WMPA is a co-sponsor of all MCLE continuing education programs for paralegals. WMPA also sponsors its own educational programs for the benefit of its members.
• Publications - Each member of WMPA receives its periodic newsletter, Paradocs, which informs members of upcoming programs and seminars, policy matters, case law updates, and general reports on developments across the country. WMPA members also receive a copy of NFPA's quarterly publication, The National Paralegal Reporter.
• Annual Survey - WMPA conducts an annual survey to inform members of employment conditions, job responsibilities, salaries, and types of paralegal employers in Western Massachusetts.
• NFPA - Each WMPA member is also a member of this national organization and is entitled to all benefits provided by NFPA which provides paralegals with current information about their profession and which continues to be instrumental in the expansion of the role of the paralegal.
• Bar Associations - WMPA continues to develop a relationship with local and state Bar associations to promote attorney understanding and utilization of paralegals, to promote an expanded role for paralegals and to participate in programs and services provided by these Bar associations.

Committees

Any WMPA member can serve on any committee.

MEMBERSHIP

The Membership Committee promotes membership, handles all procedures associated with membership, handles replies to inquiries, membership applications, and publication of the Membership Directory and Brochure.

PUBLICITY AND PROGRAMMING

This Committee organizes and promotes all WMPA membership activities and continuing education programs. The Committee also prepares and processes the Annual Survey.

NEWSLETTER

The Newsletter Committee drafts, edits and arranges for the printing of the newsletter and monitors local and national developments affecting paralegals.

BAR AND STUDENT LIAISONS

The Bar Liaison develops and maintains communications with the local Bar associations while the Student Liaison develops and maintains communications with the local colleges in the area to promote the paralegal profession and membership in WMPA.

OTHER MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS

WMPA members can also participate in a variety of other programs, including:

• development and upkeep of WMPA's website, e-mail capabilities and other technological functions;
• acting as mentor for paralegal students or newly hired paralegals;
• development of pro bono activities; and
• fund raising.