Breaking News

In March 2011, the Alaska Association of Paralegals (AAP), requested FALA’s support of AAP’s proposal to establish a voluntary paralegal registration program through the Alaska Bar Association. According to proposed rule, the purpose of voluntary registration program is to “promote proper utilization of paralegals, assure that legal services are professionally and ethically offered to the public, assist in the development of paralegal standards, raise the profile of the paralegal profession, and standardize the expectations of the public and other legal professionals.” The FALA Board of Directors has not yet issued a formal position statement to AAP.

Your input will help FALA provide a response that best represents FALA members and supporters, as well as general legal community in the Interior. After considering each type of paralegal regulation and reviewing the proposed Bar Rule, please think about how this proposed program affects you. Ask yourself the following:

• Is the proposed registration program beneficial to the growth of the paralegal career field?

• Does the term “Alaska Registered Paralegal” clarify or confuse the public’s understanding of the background of someone allowed to use the term, and the duties the title permits?

• Are there credential terms, or academic degrees, already in use to identify paralegals for recognition and career growth? Does the right to use the term enhance a paralegal’s career growth, or influence hiring decisions?

• Is there a problem challenging attorneys or the public that will be solved by this rule?

• What does the rule provide that is not already available through one’s maintaining membership in an Alaskan association, continuing to meet ethical responsibilities required by continuous employment, or through the existing national certification programs?

AAP Regulation Proposal Continued...

Please share your opinions on AAP’s proposed regulation of Alaska paralegals, by 08/15/11 with the FALA board at info@fairbanksparalegal.org