Paralegal/Legal Assistant Divisions of State Bars
by Sharon Coates, PP, PLS

Many state bars allow paralegals or legal assistants to participate at some level of their organizations.  That participation may take the form of associate membership, membership of ad hoc committees, as well membership of separate divisions of the state bar.  This article will introduce you to some of the state bar divisions and their differences.

MONTANA:  The Paralegal Section of the State Bar of Montana was formed in 1998.  Section membership may be granted to anyone who meets at least one of the following criteria:

1. Those who have graduated from an ABA approved paralegal program;
2. Those who have an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from a college or university;
3. Those who are Certified Legal Assistants (CLA) or Certified Legal Assistant Specialists (CLAS).

Membership may also be granted if the applicant has been a practicing paralegal for more than one year who qualifies to be a paralegal by experience or other training and if a licensed Montana attorney attests to the qualifications of the individual as a paralegal.  Members of the Section are bound by the rules of Professional Conduct, must affirm they do not provide legal services directly to the public, and accrue 10 approved CLE credits annually.  Yearly dues are $60. For more information go to: www.montanabar.org and click on “Bar Groups.”

TEXAS:  In 1981, according to the Texas Paralegal Division website, “the State Bar of Texas was the first bar association in the United States to create a separate division for paralegals.” Applicants may apply if they are currently employed as a paralegal, perform substantive legal work 80% of the time, and meet at least one of its eight criteria.  If you do not meet those requirements, then you may be able to apply as an Associate Member.  For more information go to www.txpd.org.

NEW MEXICO: The Paralegal Division of the New Mexico State Bar was officially created by the New Mexico Supreme Court in 1995.  In January 2004, the revised Rules Governing Paralegal Services were adopted setting forth the qualifications for membership.  To apply for membership of the Paralegal Division you must be employed as a paralegal in compliance with the definition of a paralegal found at Rule 20-102 of the Rules Governing Paralegal Services and meet one or more of five qualifications.  For more information go to www.nmbar.org.

UTAH:  The Paralegal Division of the Utah State Bar was created in 1996.  Dues are $75 per year. In 2006 they celebrated their 10 year anniversary.  Check out their 10th Anniversary Brochure at their web address: www.utahbar.org/sections/paralegals/welcome

Nevada and Michigan also have paralegal/legal assistant divisions.  Information can be found for Nevada at www.nvbar.org/sections and for Michigan at www.michbar.org/legalassistants.