The Paralegal Profession 

History 

In the 1960s, law firms, government agencies, and large corporations decided to incorporate a clerical legal profession. The idea was to increase organization in the legal world, as well as create more jobs. Growing numbers of Americans from all socioeconomic ranks were connecting with the legal system at the same time that more complex laws and procedures were increasing the cost of legal services. The earliest paralegals were members of the legal services team. They worked under the supervision of lawyers, and were known by many as a legal assistant or lawyers aide. 

The 1970s brought considerable growth to the paralegal profession and the variety of settings in which they were employed. Paralegal associations emerged during that decade, and still play an important role in both the development of the paralegal field and the quality and professionalism of today's paralegals. Those associations include:

-National Association of Legal Assistants

-American Paralegal Association

-American Bar Association