Washington State Paralegal Association

The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) to test the competency level of experienced paralegals. 

Savvy employers are recognizing PACE accredited paralegals by the "R.P." (Registered Paralegal) designation after their names, and compensating them at higher levels due to their demonstrated legal competency.

Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam

Applications to sit for PACE are available from NFPA; eligible paralegals who meet minimum experience and educational requirements may sit for the exam. PACE focuses on general legal issues and on ethics and may be taken at Prometric Test Centers across the Country. WSPA encourages all paralegals who meet the application criteria to sit for the exam.

Paralegals who successfully pass PACE, have the privilege of using the NFPA credential “PACE Registered Paralegal” or “R.P.” The R.P. credential is becoming more recognized by employers as a means of identifying the advanced skill level of paralegals.

To maintain the PACE RP credential, paralegals are required to obtain 12 hours of continuing legal education, including at least one hour in ethics, every two years.

More information about the PACE exam can be found on the NFPA web site. Contact our Certification Coordinator, for any remaining questions you may have about PACE, to arrange for a speaker for your organization to speak about the role of PACE in enhancing the paralegal profession, or if you would like to join or form a study group in your local area.

Registered Paralegals

WSPA is proud to recognize those PACE Registered Paralegals who have successfully passed this exam. Below is a list of WSPA R.P.'s that have been brought to our attention to date. If you have obtained your RP, please notify the webmaster so we can update our listing.

Melissa Albert. RP
Bothell, WA
Received RP Designation--

Deborah A. Aubrey, RP 
Bellevue, WA
Received RP Designation--November 10, 2008

Brandy Bewley, RP
Bothell, WA
Received RP Designation--September 3, 1997

Leisa K. Bulick, RP, CLA
White Salmon, WA
Received RP Designation--August 24, 2000

Misty Carman, RP
Puyallup, WA
Received RP Designation--September 16, 2017

Frieda Cramer, RP
Fife, WA
Received RP Designation--December 14, 2000

Michelle Cummings, RP
Auburn, WA
Received RP Designation--January 5, 2014

Kathleen Devebec
Kennewick, WA
Received RP Designation--May 7, 2016

Sherri Farr, RP
Vancouver, WA
Received RP Designation--September 20, 2016

Karri J. Harrington, RP
Lynnwood, WA
Received RP Designation--November 29, 2000

Gretchen M. Haydel, CRP, RP
Seattle, WA
Received RP Designation--December 12, 2011
Recieved CRP Designation--June 11, 2011

Darlene C. Klister, RP
Anacortes, WA
Received RP Designation--May 13, 2000

Melody A. Love, RP 
Mt. Vernon, WA
Received RP Designation--May 21, 2009

Jeniffier Provalenko, RP
Mount Vernon, WA
Received RP Designation--May 28, 2009

Theda Yandell, RP
Kent, WA
Received RP Designation--December 4, 2006