March - April 2012March - April 2012

WSPA is proud of the many contributions Paralegals make to the practice of law in both Washington State and the Nation.

To recognize these outstanding Paralegals, WSPA has initiated a number of Annual Awards. We first initiated the Washington Paralegal of the Year Award in 2004, and in 2005, we were also privileged to award our first Lifetime Achievement Award.

Awards currently granted most years are:

• Paralegal of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• WSPA Volunteer of the Year
• Paralegal Pro Bono Award (SN)
• Paralegal Community Service Award (SN)
• Paralegal Student Scholarship (SN)

(SN = Self Nominations will be accepted for these three categories)

Brief Descriptions of Each Category and Award

Paralegal of the Year: To recognize outstanding performance by a paralegal in Washington. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an Award, a Certificate commemorating the award, a $250 check, and a one-year membership in WSPA.

Lifetime Achievement Award: To recognize true leaders and role models for the paralegal profession. This candidate will have at minimum of 20 years demonstrated experience in the legal field, at least 10 years performing paralegal duties, and at least 10 years as a WSPA member. The candidate's curriculum vitae should be attached to the nomination. The winner will receive an Award, a Certificate commemorating the award, a gift, and lifetime membership in WSPA. 

WSPA Volunteer of the Year: Awarded to a member of WSPA management for the current year and nominated by WSPA management for outstanding service to the association. The winner will receive an Award, a Certificate commemorating the award, and a one-year membership in WSPA.

Paralegal Pro Bono Award: To recognize the commitment of paralegals to the delivery of pro bono legal services. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an Award, a Certificate commemorating the award, and a one-year membership in WSPA. (Paralegals may nominate themselves for this award.)

Paralegal Community Service Award: To recognize the commitment of paralegals to community service. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an Award, a Certificate commemorating the award, and a one-year membership in WSPA. (Paralegals may nominate themselves for this award.)

Paralegal Student Scholarship: Awarded to a student enrolled in a two or four-year paralegal program affiliated with a state-certified institution or any ABA-approved paralegal education program. Scholarship considerations include enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per quarter, GPA, and financial need. WSPA membership may be considered, but is not required. The winner will receive a $500 check for tuition and books. (Students may nominate themselves for this award.)

Longevity Awards: These are to recognize those who have been WSPA members for significant periods of time. Nominations are not accepted for these awards as they are determined strictly by length of membership.

Remember, all Nominations should include:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. A nominating letter describing why the paralegal nominated is deserving of the award.

3. Any additional photos, articles, letters or other documents that evidence the paralegal's accomplishments. (optional)

 The Nomination form can be found by clicking here.

Return completed nominations to:

WSPA - Attn: Annual Awards
PO Box 58530
Seattle WA 98138-1530