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). 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.
MATC paralegal students attending MAPA's annual Student
Reception
Click here for information on how to join MAPA
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
In order to initially obtain and then
retain the NALA affiliation status, MAPA is required to provide
educational
opportunities
to its membership. In 2008, MAPA will host five 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 calendar of MAPA’s educational events
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 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.
Click here for information on how to join MAPA
MAPA members attend a private tour of the newly-opened Dane County
Courthouse
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