The Ventura County Association of Legal Assistants (VALA) was founded in August 1984. It is an association comprised of legal para/professionals who, through their association, provide a forum for the exchange of experience, information and opinions.

Purposes

VALA was formed to promote professionalism through adherence to a Code of Ethics for legal assistants, to encourage excellence and continuing achievement within the profession, to provide information and education to its members, and to channel the energies of its individual members to the benefit and growth of the legal assistant profession and the legal profession as a whole.

VALA not only offers its members the benefits of a local organization, but as an active affiliate of the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants, VALA involves its members in issues on the state and national levels as well.

Benefits of Membership

Dinner meetings, open to members and guests on the third Tuesday of each month, with informative guest speakers

Employment referrals and resume bank

Monthly newsletter, VALA's Verdict

Networking opportunities

Eligibility for membership in the Ventura County Federal Credit Union

Comprehensive group medical, dental and vision care plans provided by Gene Noble & Associates

Life insurance protection provided by Gene Noble & Associates

Full service financial and insurance planning provided by Lincoln West Financial

Preferred home financing provided by Partners Funding Corporation

Educational and seminar discounts, including UCSB and other CELA courses, and VALA-sponsored CLA Review Courses

Access to the VALA Library - including study guides and materials for CLA exam preparation

Affiliate membership in the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations

Affiliate membership in the National Association of Legal Assistants

Student membership encouraged

Application Procedures

To apply, contact VALA at the address below and request an application.

Active/Voting Membership is offered to any individual who has met any one of the following:

• Successful completion of a curriculum of training as a legal assistant by a university, college, junior college or other educational institution; provided that all such schools, curricula and certificates shall be subject to the approval of VALA AND employment by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity as a legal assistant, or employment in a capacity which involves the performance of legal services under the direction and supervisions of a licensed attorney;

   

• Continuous employment as a legal assistant for a minimum of six months under the supervision of a licensed attorney, whose employer attests in writing on the application form that such person is qualified as a legal assistant;

   

• Successful completion of the Certified Legal Assistant Examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants AND employment by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity as a legal assistant, or employment in a capacity which involves the performance of legal services under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.

Associate Membership is offered to those in the legal community who endorse the legal assistant concept and are interested in supporting the goals and purposes of VALA.

Student Membership is offered to those currently enrolled in legal assistant training or certificate programs which meet the approval of VALA.

Sustaining Membership is offered to any individual or corporate entity who endorses the legal assistant concept and is interested in supporting the goals and purposes of VALA.