The Dallas Association of Legal Assistants was formed on October 23, 1976. The organization's Bylaws were adopted in 1977 and have been periodically revised in response to the changing needs and sophistication of the Association. In October 1996, the Association's members voted to change the name of the organization to the Dallas Area Paralegal Association. The goals of DAPA are to:
- Promote the professional objectives and goals of paralegals;
- Encourage, promote and conduct programs of continuing legal education and professional development;
- Adopt codes of ethics and standards of conduct governing its members; and
- Promote the advancement of professionalism for paralegals.
In 1978, DAPA became a member association of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. ("NFPA"). NFPA represents approximately 9,000 paralegals nationwide. DAPA has been active in various local bar association projects, including Law Day activities, National Moot Court Competition and pro bono work. DAPA also provides service-oriented functions and seminars for the community as well as for its members.
DAPA publishes a newsletter, On the Record (the "Newsletter"). A link to the Newsletter is either sent to each member vial email to the e-mail address listed in the member's online profile.
DAPA awards scholarship(s) annually to students enrolled in paralegal programs at local schools. Additionally, DAPA members are often selected to speak at seminars, teach in local paralegal programs and serve on the boards of directors of various corporations serving the paralegal community. DAPA continues to strive to attain the goals established in 1976.
DAPA celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2011.
DAPA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016.
DAPA is a non-profit corporation pursuant to Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. DAPA is composed of paralegals working in all areas of the law, who are interested not only in furthering their own professional development, but are also dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal professional as a whole. The purposes of DAPA are to:
- Promote the professional development of the paralegal profession;
- Foster creative expansion of paralegal roles;
- Offer continuing legal education to paralegals;
- Educate employers and consumers about the utilization of paralegals as an integral part in the delivery of legal services;
- Maintain relationships with local, state and national bar associations;
- Communicate with other paralegal associations; and
- Provide services to the legal community.
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