Texas Association of Legal Professionals

Texas ALP is the leading all-inclusive association for legal professionals that provides continuing education and professional development programs for all of its members.  Chartered in 1955, Texas ALP is an integral part of the legal community, working to improve the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of legal services.  Today, the work performed by well prepared and educated legal professionals plays an essential role in all areas of law relating to the personal or business wellbeing of clients.

When you join the trilevel professional association comprised of Texas ALP, NALS . . . the association for legal professionals, and a local state chapter, you will have the opportunity to attend local chapter meetings where quality legal education may be offered every month.  You also have the opportunity to attend state association meetings, where you will be exposed to some of the top legal experts in our state.  At the NALS conferences, speakers from across the country address issues of national importance, enlightening NALS members with a national perspective.  As a Texas ALP member, you will receive our publication, The Texas Docket.  As a NALS member, you receive valuable legal education every month via the online publication, NALS Docket.  NALS members also receive a quarterly publication, @Law, packed with legal articles.

To join our trilevel association, go to www.nals.org;

click on the gray tab labeled Join NALS and follow the directions provided.

To join Texas ALP as a secondary member, click here for our secondary membership application and submit the form as provided within.

To contact the designated membership contact of a local chapter,

see the list of local chapter contacts provided below.

Texas ALP’s Role in Preparing for the Future

For over 60 years, Texas ALP has assisted the legal community in addressing many issues associated with its growth and the inherent role of the legal support professional.  In addition, Texas ALP is always available to assist those interested in joining the legal support profession; more specifically, students enrolled in college-level educational programs.

Let Our Over 65 Years of Experience Help You Today!

Texas ALP membership includes legal support professionals working in traditional and non-traditional law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, legal service agencies, and other law-related entities.

All Texas ALP members have unlimited access to a number of benefits and programs designed to advance and empower their professional education and growth, including four certification programs, member discounts on educational conferences, and cutting-edge CLE programs.  A serious association devoted to all legal professionals is very much needed and Texas ALP fills this need.

Member Benefits

Texas ALP recognizes the many changes occurring in the legal community.  Texas ALP has and always will continue to support the growth and expanding role of the legal support professional.  Texas ALP members are able to stay current and participate in these changes.

Professionalism and Ethics.  The legal support profession has faced many issues regarding professionalism and ethical standards.  As such, Texas ALP members adhere to a Professional Code of Ethics.  This Code shows the commitment of Texas ALP's members to increase the quality of legal services.  It also recognizes the profession's responsibility to the legal community and the consumer.

Educational Opportunities.  Texas ALP supports the growth and expansion of the legal support profession by addressing educational issues for the practicing legal support professional, as well as students seeking a career in the legal field.  The legal support profession is constantly changing.  Legal personnel must be up to date with changes in law in order to maintain a high standard of performance and professionalism.  The continuing education opportunities available to members keeps members informed and provide many opportunities for professional growth.  Legal education seminars are held in conjunction with state meetings held twice a year and on the local level.

Professional Development.  As the legal profession evolves, legal support professionals can rely on Texas ALP to offer innovative opportunities for growth.  Examples include leadership training seminars and study courses in preparation for the certifications offered by NALS for everyone, whether beginning a new career or enhancing a current one.  Obtaining a NALS certification demonstrates career commitment, builds credibility, showcases skills, and opens the doors of opportunity to enhance your career in the legal field.  NALS offers three unique certifications and four legal designations to the legal support professional.  The exams are of varying levels and are developed by professionals in the industry.  Each certification developed by NALS takes advantage of the more than 85 years of experience and dedication to the legal services industry only NALS has to offer.  NALS has the certification for you, whether you are beginning a career in the legal field or a veteran paralegal ready to display your skills or somewhere in between. 

Development of the Profession.  Texas ALP encourages all members to take advantage of the three levels of professional certifications offered by NALS.  Texas ALP offers all levels of the legal team the option to validate their experience and job skills, establish credentials, and confirm their value to the legal field.  These three certification exams provide the legal field with a professional standard by which to evaluate all legal professionals.

Leadership Opportunities.  Texas ALP and its local chapters provide opportunities for both personal and professional growth through leadership and serving as committee members, chairs, or officers.  Any member may enhance leadership skills and become a future leader at all levels of our association through leadership programs offered at little or no cost to members.

Recognition.  Accomplishments are acknowledged through recognition programs and award presentations on all levels of our associations.

Education.  As legal matters delegated to legal support professionals increase in complexity, so do the market demands on educational standards for those entering the legal profession, both in terms of general education and formal training.  Throughout its long history, Texas ALP has recognized and met its commitment to examine issues and explore new and innovative means by which legal education may be made available to all members of the legal team, regardless of their years of experience.  Texas ALP will continue to assist the profession in validating and expanding the roles of the legal support professional, and by responding to the ever-changing legal field.  Texas ALP continues its commitment to ensure the professionalism and the vital role played by the legal team in the delivery of quality legal services.

Networking.  Another very important benefit of membership is networking.  Although this term may be overused, networking truly is critical for career development and management.  When you initiate a conversation and exchange business cards, you establish a contact base that you can call upon for advice, information, and resources to assist you with questions or contacting legal vendors.  You can also reach members through social networks and communities established within those networks.