by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Members of the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association (NEFPA) celebrated the organization’s silver anniversary at the Hyatt Thursday.
The organization has grown to 203 members and serves paralegals from St. Augustine to Fernandina. It was founded in 1984 as Jacksonville Legal Assistants, Inc. and two of the charter members are still active with NEFPA, Barbara Jernigan and Donna Hoffman.
“One of our charter members told me that (NEFPA’s) first operating budget was $1,000,” said Cindy Houston, NEFPA President. “Our current budget is $35,000. So we’ve not only grown in membership, but also in the services that we can offer.”
One of the highlights of the 25th anniversary celebration at the Hyatt was uncorking the time capsule that was created when the NEFPA was founded. Items inside the tube included old photographs, newsletters, professional surveys, business cards of former presidents and an old banner.
The name on the banner may have changed through the years but the organization’s mission has remained the same: “to encourage a high order of ethical and professional attainment, further education among members of the profession, cooperate with local, state, and national bar associations, establish fellowship among its members and members of the legal community.”
NEFPA also encourages its members to gain certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and offers a review program for the certification.
One of its members gained national attention this year by being recognized as the American Association of Justice 2009 Paralegal of the Year. Linda Whipple was honored with the award at the American Association of Justice convention in San Francisco this year.
The organization is not only about advancing the profession, but also giving back to the community. Throughout its previous year the organization provided a holiday party for children living at Gateway Community Development Center, worked with The Missing Link of Jacksonville to help those who suffered spousal abuse and supported the military by assembling care packages for those serving overseas.
The next big event for NEFPA will be hosting the NALA Convention in July, 2010. More information on NEFPA can be found at www.nefpa.org.
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