National Paralegal Day

National Paralegal Day is on October 23 in the United States, honoring the hard-working professionals who provide assistance to the public without a law degree. The purpose of the holiday is to recognize the valuable contributions of paralegals to the legal system and to appreciate the amount of knowledge and effort that goes into their work.

History

The origin of National Paralegal Day is unclear, but the profession gained official recognition in 2017 when paralegals were granted court official status. In the 1970s, the need for paralegals to carry out various legal duties arose, including preparing and copying documents, communicating with clients, and monitoring litigation. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations responded by developing a code of ethics and a task force to assess the profession, and it continues to support paralegals today with more than 9,000 individual members and 50 different organizations.

Interesting facts

• Paralegals can attend meetings but cannot sign documents or speak on behalf of the attorney/client.
• The profession is one of the most in-demand in the US.
• Research shows that the paralegal field will grow by 12% over the next decade.

How to take part

If you know a paralegal, show your appreciation by sending them a postcard with kind words. You can also order a cake or other treat to celebrate the holiday at a local law office. If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, consider signing up for courses, either in person or online. It’s never too late to start doing something that you are passionate about!

When is National Paralegal Day in 2024?

National Paralegal Day is observed on October 23 each year.

Observations