Events of the 70's

1976 - 1977

Four paralegal associations joined together to establish the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA). The affiliation was undertaken in order to promote communication, cooperation, and mutual assistance among the various professional organizations of paralegals and legal assistants within the state, while allowing each organization to remain individually autonomous. The Alliance was also instituted to provide a vehicle for the representation of associations' mutual interests.

Founding members of the Alliance:
San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants
East Bay Association of Legal Assistants (Alameda County)
Los Angeles Paralegal Association
California Public Sector Paralegal Association

CAPA held its first meeting on November 20, 1976 in San Francisco. The major projects for the year were to structure CAPA into a meaningful organization and to research the issues of paralegal accreditation and certification.

Nancy Siegel, San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants, served as chairperson.

January 1977

The State Bar Economics of Law Practice Committee submitted to the Board of Governors of the State Bar a proposal for the certification of "attorney assistants" and the accreditation of paralegal training programs. In March, 1977, the State Bar Legal Services Section formed an Ad Hoc Committee at the request of the Board of Governors to study the proposal, conduct public hearings and make recommendations. Nancy Siegel was appointed to this committee. All of CAPA's energy was directed to opposing the proposal which was vague, poorly drafted, and potentially damaging to the paralegal profession and the legal community if adopted. On October 20, 1977, CAPA submitted a written statement to the State Bar in Los Angeles and San Francisco to oppose the proposal. CAPA representatives, along with representatives of numerous other organizations, testified in opposition to the proposal. The State Bar decided not to go forward with the proposal, but made no final determination concerning the general issues of certification and accreditation.

The State Bar also considered establishing a permanent committee regarding legal assistants. CAPA anticipated working with the Bar to ensure that a meaningful number of paralegals were included as voting members of the committee.

Barbara Shacochis, SFALA, was elected Executive Director for CAPA for the 1977-78 term.

1977 - 1979

From 1977 - 1979 CAPA focused on the organization and publicizing of CAPA. The Executive Director kept in contact with the State Bar regarding its proposal for a committee on legal assistants. Due to lack of funds the committee was not formed, but CAPA asserted that if such a committee were formed that CAPA should be represented on the committee.

CAPA bylaws and articles of association were adopted.

CAPA approved the application of San Diego Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA.

Paula Pierson, SDALA, was elected Executive Director for CAPA 1979-80 term.

1979 - 1980

San Diego Association of Legal Assistants conducted a feasibility study for the publication of an annual journal by CAPA. CAPA also considered a training program seminar for educators and a study of unauthorized practice of law statutes in California, but decided to not undertake the projects unless time permitted.

CAPA approved the application of Sacramento Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA.

Melissa Brown, CPSCA, was elected Executive Director for the CAPA 1980-81 term.

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Home General Information Information about CAPA Mission Officers RECAP Handbook Affiliates History The 1970s The 1980s The 1990s Presidents Members Conferences Events and Resources State Bar Section Partners Contact Us	CAPA History - Events of the 70's 1976 - 1977 Four paralegal associations joined together to establish the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA). The affiliation was undertaken in order to promote communication, cooperation, and mutual assistance among the various professional organizations of paralegals and legal assistants within the state, while allowing each organization to remain individually autonomous. The Alliance was also instituted to provide a vehicle for the representation of associations' mutual interests. Founding members of the Alliance: San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants East Bay Association of Legal Assistants (Alameda County) Los Angeles Paralegal Association California Public Sector Paralegal Association CAPA held its first meeting on November 20, 1976 in San Francisco. The major projects for the year were to structure CAPA into a meaningful organization and to research the issues of paralegal accreditation and certification. Nancy Siegel, San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants, served as chairperson. January 1977 The State Bar Economics of Law Practice Committee submitted to the Board of Governors of the State Bar a proposal for the certification of "attorney assistants" and the accreditation of paralegal training programs. In March, 1977, the State Bar Legal Services Section formed an Ad Hoc Committee at the request of the Board of Governors to study the proposal, conduct public hearings and make recommendations. Nancy Siegel was appointed to this committee. All of CAPA's energy was directed to opposing the proposal which was vague, poorly drafted, and potentially damaging to the paralegal profession and the legal community if adopted. On October 20, 1977, CAPA submitted a written statement to the State Bar in Los Angeles and San Francisco to oppose the proposal. CAPA representatives, along with representatives of numerous other organizations, testified in opposition to the proposal. The State Bar decided not to go forward with the proposal, but made no final determination concerning the general issues of certification and accreditation. The State Bar also considered establishing a permanent committee regarding legal assistants. CAPA anticipated working with the Bar to ensure that a meaningful number of paralegals were included as voting members of the committee. Barbara Shacochis, SFALA, was elected Executive Director for CAPA for the 1977-78 term. 1977 - 1979 From 1977 - 1979 CAPA focused on the organization and publicizing of CAPA. The Executive Director kept in contact with the State Bar regarding its proposal for a committee on legal assistants. Due to lack of funds the committee was not formed, but CAPA asserted that if such a committee were formed that CAPA should be represented on the committee. CAPA bylaws and articles of association were adopted. CAPA approved the application of San Diego Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA. Paula Pierson, SDALA, was elected Executive Director for CAPA 1979-80 term. 1979 - 1980 San Diego Association of Legal Assistants conducted a feasibility study for the publication of an annual journal by CAPA. CAPA also considered a training program seminar for educators and a study of unauthorized practice of law statutes in California, but decided to not undertake the projects unless time permitted. CAPA approved the application of Sacramento Association of Legal Assistants for membership with CAPA. Melissa Brown, CPSCA, was elected Executive Director for the CAPA 1980-81 term. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE	2008 Calendar Contact Us
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CAPA History - Events of the 70's