BACKGROUND

The Ventura County Paralegal Association, Inc. (VCPA) was founded in August 1984.  It is an association comprised of legal para-professionals who, through their association, provide a forum for the exchange of experience, information and opinions.

PURPOSE

VCPA was formed to promote professionalism through adherence to a Code of Ethics for legal assistants, to encourage excellence and continuing achievement within the profession, to provide information and education to its members, and to channel the energies of its individual members to the benefit and growth of the legal assistant profession and the legal profession as a whole.

VCPA not only offers its members the benefits of a legal organization, but as an active affiliate of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants, VCPA involves its members in issues on the state and national levels as well

MEMBERSHIP

Active/Voting Membership is offered to any individual who is employed as a paralegal or has been employed as a paralegal within the last 12 months and meets one of the following requirements as referenced in Business & Professions Code 6450:  1)  A certificate of completion of a paralegal program; 2) A baccalaureate degree or advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; or 3) A high school diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.  This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003. Annual dues are $40.

Associate membership is offered to those in the legal community who support or are involved in the promotion of the paralegal/legal assistant profession. Annual dues are $40.

Student membership is offered to those currently enrolled in a program for paralegal certification that meets the requirements of California Business and Professions Code 6450. Annual dues are $30.

Sustaining Membership is offered to any individual or corporate entity who supports the paralegal/legal assistant profession and is interested in supporting the goals and purposes of VCPA.  Annual dues are $125.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, click on "Application for New Membership," above, print and complete, and mail it, along with your membership fee to:  VCPA, Post Office Box 24229, Ventura, California  93002.  For more information or a membership application, please call Julie Malone, VCPA's Second Vice-President/Membership, at (805) 278-0920 or e-mail her at jwmalone@aol.com.