(September 29, 2024 | Portland, OR) In a stirring address that brought attendees to their feet, American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) President Page Beetem delivered a powerful speech at the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) conference last week.
Beetem's presentation, titled "Finding Our Voice," traced the evolution of the paralegal profession from its roots in the 1970s to its current status as a vital component of the legal system. She highlighted the profession's growth from basic administrative duties to today's expanded roles, including licensed paralegals providing direct legal services in some states.
A key focus of Beetem's speech was the critical need for paralegals to unify their voice and establish a clear identity for their profession. She proposed adopting "legal practitioner" as a standardized title, arguing that it lends credibility and avoids diminishing the profession's status.
Beetem also addressed the challenges faced by states considering paralegal licensing programs, suggesting that First Amendment litigation could be a path forward where legislative progress stalls. She cited recent cases, including Upsolve, Inc. v. James and Polanski v. Black, as examples of how free speech protections might be leveraged to expand the role of non-attorneys in providing legal services.
The AAfPE President concluded with a rousing call to action, urging attendees to use their voices to advocate for the profession and create a more equitable legal system. Her passionate delivery and vision for the future of paralegal services resonated deeply with the audience, resulting in a standing ovation.
As the conference wrapped up, many attendees expressed renewed enthusiasm for advancing the paralegal profession and expanding access to justice, inspired by Beetem's powerful message.
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