Statewide Paralegal Organization Received National Honors

Birmingham, AL, August 02, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc., “AAPi” received national recognition from the National Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals, “NALA” during its Annual Convention held in Orlando, Florida on July 19, 2017. AAPi received the 2017 Affiliated Association Award, which is based on contributions which positively impact NALA or the paralegal profession on a nationwide basis for a minimum of three years and the role the association played in creating, developing and/or promoting this important and distinctive national program. AAPi First Vice President, Angela Henderson, CP, received the 2017 NALA Affiliate Award, which recognizes members of an affiliated association and a member of NALA, for their contributions and service to their NALA Affiliated association. Cathy Davis, ACP, received the 2017 NALA President’s Award. Davis is a Past President of AAPi, serving for three terms, 2010-13. Currently, Davis is employed as the director of Legal Studies Program at Faulkner University in Montgomery. Jane McKinnon, CP, was elected to the NALA Board of Directors, as At Large Director, representing the membership of NALA, which is comprised of 18,000 members. McKinnon, is also a Past President of AAPi, serving for three terms, 2002-2005. Currently, she is employed as a Certified Paralegal at Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, P.C.

The Alabama Association of Legal Assistants (“AALA”) was formed in July 1982 by Janis C. Davidson, CLA, one of six paralegals first certified by NALA. Ms. Davidson also served as NALA President from 1979-81. In 2003, by a majority vote, AALA became the Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc. (“AAPi”). AAPi has maintained a strong presence in the legal community, promoting the continued education of members and paralegals. AAPi holds seminars, luncheons and networking events each year to ensure paralegals are current on the latest laws and skills.

This year, AAPi celebrates 35 years of educating and supporting paralegals across the state of Alabama. AAPi pledged to work with the Alabama State Bar and local bar associations to increase the attorneys’ knowledge on the proper utilization of paralegals. Those relationships have created many opportunities for their organization and for paralegals in the state. The Alabama Legislature, by resolution passed April 23, 1996, recognized the Wednesday of Law Week as Legal Assistant and Paralegal Day in Alabama. To celebrate this anniversary, members will embark on a four-day cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy, departing from Mobile in August.