Orange County Paralegal Association

The Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving paralegals, paralegal students, and other legal professionals in Southern California. Founded in 1977, it initially operated as a section of the Orange County Bar Association before becoming an independent, voluntary, non-profit corporation in 1986[3].

Mission and Activities

OCPA focuses on promoting professional development through education, certification, and ethical responsibility among its members. It strives to provide a platform for networking and staying updated on legal practices and industry developments. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and continuing legal education to foster a community of skilled and knowledgeable paralegals[1][3].

Relationship with Other Organizations

In 1995, OCPA affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), which is a significant step in aligning with broader national standards and networks within the legal assistant community[3].

Nonprofit Status

The OCPA is classified as a business league, similar to chambers of commerce, and is not eligible for tax-deductible donations[2]. The organization files annual tax returns with the IRS, specifically the Form 990-EZ, which provides insights into its financial operations and governance[2].

Governance and Leadership

As of recent filings, the leadership includes positions such as President, Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Policy, Treasurer, and Secretary, with no reported compensation for its officers[2].

Impact and Membership

While the organization is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, it maintains a strong presence in the legal community. OCPA aims to provide a supportive environment for paralegals to enhance their careers[1][4].

[1] https://ocparalegal.org [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/330197201 [3] https://www.credly.com/org/orange-county-paralegal-association-ocpa [4] https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/newport-beach/profile/paralegal/orange-county-paralegal-association-1126-100087430 [5] https://www.floridabar.org/about/paralegal/frp-corner/