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	Certification/PACE
	There is currently no requirement in Washington State for a person to be licensed, certified or registered in any way or with any state agency or association before he or she can obtain a position as a paralegal (see Regulation.) There is in fact no entity currently set up to "certify" Washington's paralegals. Paralegals who complete a recognized field of study in both ABA and non-ABA approved educational programs are more properly called "certificated" paralegals, not "certified" paralegals. There is however a voluntary Certification exam known as PACE which is administered through WSPA's parent association, NFPA, whereby experienced paralegals can demonstrate their legal competency. The job title of "paralegal" is typically granted by the employer, but there is also a growing trend of independent paralegals (often performing contract work to attorneys) that also deliver high quality legal services outside of the traditional law firm, government, or corporate legal department settings. In Washington, paralegals are usually required to practice law under the supervision of an attorney. Washington State has a statute prohibiting the practice of law without a license as an attorney, and this is sometimes applied to persons purporting to be paralegals and providing services directly to the public. Complaints about unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys may be addressed to the Practice of Law Board. WSPA, as a voluntary membership professional association, has no authority to regulate or oversee the actions of paralegals, nor to prohibit "non-qualified" individuals from identifying themselves as paralegals. Ex Parte Filings In certain counties in Washington, including, among others, King County, Pierce County, and Spokane County, a paralegal can register with the Court or with the local County Bar Association in order to be able to present ex parte filings to the Court in place of an attorney. Washington is the exception to the rule in this regard, and we salute those forward-looking paralegals and attorneys who championed this effort! There are, however, certain voluntary registrations and certifications that a paralegal can obtain which will enhance employability, including the national PACE certification. Voluntary Certification - PACE Exam Key Points of PACE 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. Exam for Experienced Paralegals PACE is offered to paralegals who have a minimum of two years' experience and meet specific educational requirements. PACE is designed for professional paralegals who want to pioneer the expansion of paralegal roles for the future of the profession, not to restrict entry into the profession. Two-tier Exam Each tier addresses different areas. Tier I addresses general legal issues and ethics. As the need arises, a section for state-specific laws may also be developed. Tier II addresses specialty sections. Fair and Independent PACE has been developed by a professional testing firm, assisted by an independent task force including paralegals, lawyers, paralegal educators and content specialists from the general public who are legal advocates. Ongoing administration will be handled by PES. Voluntary Paralegals will have the option to sit for the exam at more than 200 Sylvan Technology Centers. As activities and proposals for regulation of the profession increase, all paralegals will be encouraged to take the exam. Credential Maintenance 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 Laura Jordan, our PACE Ambassador for any remaining questions you may have about PACE or to arrange for a speaker for your organization to speak about the role of PACE in enhancing the paralegal profession. Please contactr Leslie Kodish, our current PACE Study Group Coordinator, if you would like to join or form a study group in your local area. Washington's RP's WSPA is proud to recognize those PACE Registered Paralegals who have successfully passed this exam. Here is a list of 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. Terri M. Alvarado, RP Spokane, WA Received RP Designation--December 29, 2001 Anne Marie Bauer, RP Everett, WA Received RP Designation--August 26, 2000 Brandy Bewley, RP Seattle, WA Received RP Designation--September 3, 1997 Leisa K. Bulick, RP White Salmon, WA Received RP Designation--August 24, 2000 Christine M. Carpenter, RP Auburn, WA Received RP Designation--June 6, 2006 Lauren M. Cole, RP Poulsbo, WA Received RP Designation--June 17, 2006 Frieda Cramer, RP Fife, WA Received RP Designation--December 14, 2000 Bonnie S Fruik, RP Seattle, WA Received RP Designation--January 8, 2001 Rosemary A. Harnett, RP Spokane, WA Received RP Designation--January 19, 2001 Karri J. Harrington, RP Lynnwood, WA Received RP Designation--November 29, 2000 Marsha A. Huffsmith, RP Seattle, WA Received RP Designation--October 28, 2000 John K. Iki, RP Edmonds, WA Received RP Designation--April 28, 2001 Darlene C. Klister, RP Anacortes, WA Received RP Designation--May 13, 2000 Tammy L. Larson-White, RP Tukwila, WA Received RP Designation--July 26, 2001 Ava Schroen Gig Harbor, WA Received RP Designation--August 13, 2007 Mary H. Schnautz, RP Redmond, WA Received RP Designation--January 24, 2000 Kristy A. Taylor, RP Vancouver, WA Received RP Designation--May 25, 2006 Sharon D. Thompson Issaquah, WA Received RP Designation--August 11, 2007 Denise Woods, RP Issaquah, WA Received RP Designation--February 3, 2001 Theda Yandell, RP Seattle, WA Received RP Designation--December, 2006 Ken A. Zeringer, RP Poulsbo, WA Received RP Designation--August 16, 2000 Information on Andrea Lupanze, R.P. PACE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Revised 06/04/2008	© 2003-2007 Washington State Paralegal Association.