The History of the Western Dakota
Association of Legal Assistants (WDALA)
WDALA was organized in September, 1984, in response to a need for educational programs for legal assistants in the area. The association encourages legal assistants to commit themselves to professional development and continuing education through membership in WDALA.
WDALA affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA), in June 1985. The national organization offers its affiliates resources and experience and assists them in their efforts to enhance the professional development of their members. While some states have approved guidelines for legal assistants or paralegals, NALA has developed a certification program on the basis of a comprehensive substantive examination. Those who succeed in passing this examination are designated as Certified Legal Assistants. The following definition of a legal assistant was adopted by NALA in July 1984:
Legal Assistants* form a distinguished group of persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training, and experience, legal assistants have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.
*Within this occupational category, some individuals are known as paralegals.
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General Information and webmaster: wdala@hotmail.com