The Objectives and Purposes of WDALA
1. To promote networking among association members, the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., and members of the legal community.
WDALA strives to meet this purpose through regular meetings of its membership held through the western portion of the state. WDALA sponsors officers’ attendance at NALA meetings. Educational events are publicized to all members of the legal community and non-members are invited to participate.
2. To promote ethical and professional conduct.
A legal assistant is governed by the American Bar Association Model Code of Professional Responsibility and the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct. WDALA stresses ethics and has adopted the NALA Code of Ethics.
3. To further educate members of the legal profession.
WDALA offers a minimum of ten hours of continuing legal education each year. An annual day and a half seminar is held each spring, with shorter sessions being held in conjunction with meetings of the membership. Some of the topics that have been presented include estate planning and administration; medical malpractice; personal injury; mock trial; legal research; legal writing and interviewing; litigation and discovery; environmental law; accident reconstruction and family law.
4. To promote the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
NALA is the voice for all affiliate associations. NALA cooperates with local, state and national bar associations in setting standards for legal assistants.