The Student Paralegal Association began in 1993 as the Legal Assistant Student Organization. Since then, the association has expanded and offered many seminars, roundtables and lectures for students and alumni on topics of interest to paralegals. Some topics have included paralegal mentors, career building, paralegal regulation and diversity in the paralegal profession. The Association has also assisted with several legal lectures on the University of Hartford campus, including Janet Reno and Nina Totenberg. The Association was recognized by the University in the Spring of 2003 and was awarded a leadership award for its contributions to the University and the Greater Hartford community.

The mission of the Student Paralegal Association is to provide a forum for disseminating pertinent information about the paralegal profession, including issues, concerns and topics facing the profession to students, alumni and working paralegal professionals. The topics chosen for seminars are those that are not covered in the paralegal curriculum but are meant to enhance the learning experience. The Association is also involved with and promotes various legal pro bono projects such as Utility Day in which students perform legal work for low income individuals. In addition, the Association seeks to provide a social setting where students can come together to network and learn from each other.

For more information on the Student Paralegal Association please contact Deborah D. Boyle, RP, Faculty Advisor for the Student Paralegal Association at 860-768-5466 or e-mail her at dboyle@hartford.edu.

American Association for Paralegal Educators (AAfPE)

Central Connecticut Paralegal Association, Inc. (CCPA)

National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Connecticut Bar Association (CBA)

Hartford Country Bar Association (HCBA)

American Bar Association (ABA)