to the Official Website of the Tidewater Paralegal Association (TPA).   TPA is a non-profit organization established in the Commonwealth of Virginia on April 26, 1984.  TPA's primary goals are professional recognition and continuing education in the legal field.  Membership consists of paralegals, legal assistants, legal professionals, and educators in the Tidewater area. 

TPA offers:

• contact and direct association with peers who share the same interest and goals; and
• opportunity to assist in adopting standards for this profession; and
• general and specialized legal education programs designed specifically for paralegals/legal assistants.

TPA is affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA).  NALA, incorporated in April, 1975, is a non-profit organization.  NALA provides continuing education, professional development and certification programs for the paralegal field.  Initiated in 1976, the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Examination is a national professional credential for paralegals/legal assistants.  In 1987, the certification program was recognized by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Assistants as a high level professional achievement designation.