York County Paralegal Association: HOME

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The York County Paralegal Association (YCPA) of Pennsylvania was established in 1992 and is committed to the advancement and support of the paralegal profession. YCPA promotes continuing legal education through monthly membership meetings, encourages networking among its members and maintains an employment referral bank. Members are apprised of issues affecting the paralegal profession locally, within the state, and nationally. YCPA maintains an open working relationship with local bar associations and participates in a variety of pro bono projects benefiting the general community. YCPA has adopted the Keystone Professional Responsibility Guidelines for Paralegals in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The purposes of YCPA are:

to promote paralegals and maintain high standards of ethical and professional achievement in the profession;

to encourage and foster continuing legal education of its members;

to advance the creative expansion of paralegal roles;

to edify the public about the skills and function of the paralegal in the legal community;

to support and carry out the purposes and initiatives of the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations; and

to communicate and work collaboratively with other paralegal associations.

Q: What is a paralegal?

A: Paralegal shall mean a person who is qualified through education, training and/or work experience to perform substantive legal work requiring knowledge of legal concepts and ethics and is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity to work under the direction of a lawyer or pursuant to state statute, administrative regulation or court authority in a capacity that, in most instances, would be performed by a lawyer in the absence of a Paralegal.

Q: How do I become a paralegal?

A: Most paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. In some cases, employers may hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree but no legal experience or education and train them on the job.

Q: Where do I start on my path to become a paralegal?

A: Here are some links to get you started: