1976 - 1977
Four paralegal associations joined together to establish the California Alliance of Paralegal
Associations (CAPA). The affiliation was undertaken in order to promote
communication, cooperation, and mutual assistance among the
various professional organizations of paralegals and legal
assistants within the state, while allowing each organization to
remain individually autonomous. The Alliance was also instituted to provide a vehicle for
the representation of associations' mutual interests.
Founding members of the Alliance:
San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants
East Bay Association of Legal Assistants (Alameda County)
Los Angeles Paralegal Association
California Public Sector Paralegal Association
CAPA held its first meeting on November
20, 1976 in San Francisco. The major projects for the year were to structure CAPA into a meaningful organization and to research the issues of paralegal accreditation and certification.
Nancy Siegel, San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants, served as chairperson.
January 1977
The State Bar Economics of Law Practice Committee
submitted to the Board of Governors of the State Bar a proposal
for the certification of "attorney assistants" and the
accreditation of paralegal training programs. In March, 1977, the State Bar Legal Services Section
formed an Ad Hoc Committee at the request of the Board of
Governors to study the proposal, conduct public hearings and make recommendations. Nancy Siegel was appointed to this committee.
All of CAPA's energy was directed to opposing the
proposal which was vague, poorly drafted, and potentially
damaging to the paralegal profession and the legal community if
adopted. On October 20, 1977, CAPA submitted a written statement to the State Bar in
Los Angeles and San Francisco to oppose the proposal. CAPA representatives, along with representatives of numerous other organizations, testified in opposition to the proposal. The State Bar decided not to go forward with the proposal, but made no final determination concerning the
general issues of certification and accreditation.
The State Bar also considered
establishing a permanent committee regarding legal assistants. CAPA anticipated working with the Bar to ensure that a
meaningful number of paralegals were included as voting members
of the committee.
Barbara Shacochis, SFALA, was elected
Executive Director for CAPA for the 1977-78 term.
1977 - 1979
From 1977 - 1979 CAPA focused on the organization and publicizing of CAPA.
The Executive Director kept in contact with the State Bar
regarding its proposal for a committee on legal assistants. Due to lack of funds the committee was not formed, but
CAPA asserted that if such a committee were formed that CAPA should be represented on the committee.
CAPA bylaws and articles of association were adopted.
CAPA approved the application of San
Diego Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA.
Paula Pierson, SDALA, was elected Executive Director for CAPA 1979-80 term.
1979 - 1980
San Diego Association of Legal Assistants conducted a feasibility study for the publication of
an annual journal by CAPA. CAPA also considered a training program seminar for
educators and a study of unauthorized practice of law statutes
in California, but decided to not undertake the projects unless
time permitted.
CAPA approved the application of Sacramento Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA.
Melissa Brown, CPSCA, was elected Executive Director for the CAPA 1980-81 term.
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