RPA receives many questions from legal assistants/paralegals, attorneys, and other legal professionals all over Virginia and other parts of the U.S. Unfortunately, many are looking for information that doesn't relate to RPA only because they don't know where to go. Here are some of the common requests we receive and the proper source for your answers. Please look over this list to make sure your requests for information are handled as quickly as possible.

FAQ #1: I live in the Richmond area, and I want to join RPA. How can I get an application?
A: Our membership application is available online in HTML, Microsoft Word and PDF formats; print it out, complete it, and return it with your dues to the address on application. If you don't have a printer, send a request through our feedback page, or e-mail us with your address, and we'll send you an application by mail. Dues are paid for the calendar year beginning Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

FAQ #2: I am a RPA member, and I need information on the CLA/CP exam/serving on a committee/an upcoming event/etc.
A: Check out the list of members of the executive board and committee chairs for specific contact information.

FAQ #3: I am not from the Richmond area, and I need information on NALA or the CLA/CP exam. Can you send me information?
A: Due to RPA's limited resources, please contact NALA directly, either through its website at http://www.nala.org/, or e-mail at nalanet@nala.org.

FAQ #4: I want more information on the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA).
A: The Alliance represents over 1,500 paralegals/legal assistants across the commonwealth. There is no individual membership in VAPA; joining one of VAPA's member organizations makes one a VAPA member. VAPA doesn't have its own website or email address (although both are under development); please direct all inquiries to VAPA, P.O. Box 88, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

FAQ #5: I live in Virginia (but not the Richmond area); please send me membership information since you are the closest association to me.
A: You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to find there is an association closer than you think. Contact information for other Virginia associations (listed alphabetically) is provided below. Please do not contact us for membership information, etc., on these organizations; please contact them directly.

FAQ #6: I need to contact RPA, but I don't have access to e-mail.
A: Send us postal mail to RPA, P.O. Box 384, Richmond, VA 23218; or contact an individual board member or committee member by phone.

FAQ #7: Why are some documents on this site in both HTML and PDF formats? What is PDF? How can I access PDF files?
A: We have created some documents on this site in PDF format, which can be viewed using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software, available here. Adobe allows us to create documents that look more like the originals than HTML allows. When possible, we have included forms in both versions on this site to allow users who prefer one format over the other to use the one they prefer.

FAQ #8: I have a question you haven't covered.
A: Please e-mail us, and we'll try our best to get you a prompt answer! Please note that RPA's email is not checked on a daily basis, so directing your query to the most appropriate officer, director, or committee chair may get you a faster response.

FAQ #9: I need legal advice for a simple legal matter. Can you help me?
A: Sorry, no, we cannot. Non-lawyers in Virginia cannot give legal advice. You may want to contact Virginia Lawyer Referral Service for referral to a Virginia lawyer.

FAQ #10: What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
A: The ABA and NALA both define "paralegal" and "legal assistant" as synonymous terms. Some law firms may use the terms differently. Please see NALA's web site for its page on "What Is a Paralegal?" for more information.

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This page last updated 7/20/06.