What is a Paralegal?

NOPA and its national affiliate, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. ("NFPA"), defines a paralegal as follows:

"A Paralegal is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer.  This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work."

The New Orleans Paralegal Association ("NOPA") was formed in 1978 and is a nonprofit professional association. The Purpose of NOPA:

NOPA's goal is to promote awareness of, and educate the community regarding the effective use of paralegals.  We are, and will continue to be, an active participant in the legal community of the metropolitan New  Orleans area.  NOPA sponsors activities to promote education and understanding between the legal profession and all paralegals.

NOPA's Goal:

To maintain high standards of performance in the paralegal profession; to inform members of developments in the paralegal profession; to encourage and provide contining education for paralegals.