International Paralegal Management Association
The International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA) is a membership-based professional organization that promotes the development, professional standing and visibility of paralegal management professionals. Its membership consists of paralegal managers and others who are involved in paralegal management.
Goals
According to its web site, the IPMA’s primary goals are to:
- To be the primary provider of information and educational resources on paralegal management.
- To promote the participation of paralegal managers in forums that deal with the legal profession.
- To advocate the paralegal manager's viewpoint on issues affecting the legal profession.
- To promote the value of the paralegal manager's role in the delivery of legal services.
- To establish a strong communication network within the association and with the legal community.
- To ensure IPMA's vitality as a professional association.
IPMA Activities
Position Papers
The IPMA produces position papers on topics relating to paralegal regulation and the paralegalprofession more generally. The current position papers include:
- IPMA Position Paper on Paralegal Education
- IPMA Position Paper on US Paralegal Regulation
- IPMA Position Paper on Paralegal Regulation in Canada - English Version
- Déclaration de Principe Sur la Réglementation des Parajuristes au Canada
Paralegal Management Magazine
Paralegal Management is the IPMA's flagship publication, which contains articles on legal management and current issues in the paralegal profession.
Annual Conference
The IPMA hosts an annual conference that includes workshops, general sessions, network events and tradeshows for paralegal managers and affiliates.
Compensation Survey
In conjunction with ALM Legal Intelligence, the IPMA produces the Annual Compensation Survey for Paralegals/Legal Assistants and Managers. The Survey provides a benchmark for law firms and corporate/in-house law departments on paralegal compensation and management practice. The Survey reports on 11 distinct paralegal positions from the most senior Paralegal Manager to Clerk.
History
The IPMA was founded as the Legal Assistant Management Association ("LAMA") in Washington D.C. in 1984. It was renamed the International Paralegal Management Association on January 1, 2005.