What is MAPA?

Madison Area Paralegal Association (MAPA) is a non-profit organization affiliated with NALA - The Paralegal Association. We are a strong group of paralegals, legal professionals, and students who live and work in Madison, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas. MAPA's primary purposes are to provide educational opportunities for professional development and to promote the paralegal profession.

MAPA was founded 30 years ago by four paralegals, Lee Trummer, Bev Potts, Kris Caldwell and Christine Durrow in order to provide a forum for education and networking. The association had 20 members at the time. Currently, MAPA has grown to more than 90 members. Although our fields of discipline vary widely, from private law firms to governmental agencies to corporate counsel, we have one thing in common, to encourage and support work in the legal community.

Click here for a printable membership application.

Why join MAPA?

DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP
MAPA has an ever-increasing membership that boasts a broad base of members working in many disciplines of law including: criminal, environmental, labor and employment litigation, intellectual property, government, probate, family, bankruptcy, real estate, lending, corporate, securities, insurance defense, workers compensation, personal injury, medical malpractice, estates and trusts, and more. This diverse membership provides plenty of networking opportunities within your practice area as well as the ability to consult members when a question arises outside of your own expertise.

MAPA’s membership also includes students who are currently enrolled in paralegal programs, such as those offered at Madison Area Technical College (MATC), Globe University, Herzing University, and ITT Technical Institute. Recognizing that the needs of paralegal students and new graduates differ from that of the established paralegal, MAPA has several events and programs to benefit the student member. MAPA hosts an annual Student Reception to introduce paralegal students to MAPA members and attorneys who work in various disciplines of law. This event also provides students with an opportunity to network and ask questions regarding what they might expect when they graduate from the paralegal program. In the past, MAPA has hosted resume and interviewing workshops for student members, as well. Finally, MAPA has an ongoing mentoring program for students, newly-graduated students, and paralegals new to the area. Click here for a printable membership application.

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
In order to retain NALA affiliation status, MAPA is required to provide educational opportunities to its membership. In 2024, MAPA will host four Lunch & Learns (luncheons with guest speakers) and one Half-day Seminar to fulfill this requirement. Paralegals who have received the CLA/CP or other certification designation from NALA will receive CLE credits for attending these educational events. MAPA’s Education Committee continually secures informative, relevant, and topical speakers for these events. Speakers have included judges, attorneys, paralegals, private investigators, a librarian, a senate chief clerk, a Westlaw representative, Lexis-Nexis representatives, a mediator, a nurse, an organizational skills expert, a law professor, financial advisers, a deputy attorney general, a stress management expert, copy and trial exhibit preparations specialists, and more. Click here for a printable membership application.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
MAPA has a strong commitment to community activities and has been involved with various community groups through the years. Our community activities have included Joining Forces for Families Holiday Toy Drive, the LEAP Conference, Take A Stake in the Lakes, donating clothes to a community shelter and donating non-perishable items to community food pantries. Several MAPA members are volunteers on the MATC Paralegal Program Advisory Board. MAPA is constantly looking for opportunities to become involved in both the legal community, as well as the community at large. The MAPA membership is proud of its commitment to community involvement.

So why join MAPA? MAPA is a professional association that allows you the opportunity to meet other legal professionals, attend educational events, develop leadership skills, enjoy a quarterly newsletter, learn about job openings in the area, enhance your career, assist students and new paralegals, give back to the community, have fun, and further the profession.

What is MAPA?

Why join MAPA?

Click here for a printable membership application.