This Allied Legal Professionals (ALP) convening will focus on one of the most critical questions for the future of these programs: What title will best define—and unify—this new profession, while helping to build public confidence and consistency across states?
To date, states have varied in how they name or title these allied legal professionals, bringing a level of confusion to the legal marketplace. Examples include:
- Licensed Paralegal Practitioners
- Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals
- Legal Paraprofessionals
- Licensed Paralegals
- Limited License Legal Technicians
Over the past several months, IAALS has conducted focus groups with community members and surveys of ALPs across the seven states with existing programs. The focus groups provided valuable insights into how different titles are perceived—highlighting which inspire confidence, which cause confusion, and which clearly convey the role. Additionally, our surveys captured the firsthand perspectives of current ALPs, drawing on their experiences with clients and stakeholders to better understand how their titles support or hinder their work.
At this convening, IAALS will bring together state leaders and program stakeholders to:
- Review feedback from focus groups and surveys
- Discuss the pros and cons of various titles
- Explore opportunities to align around a shared, unified title that can guide the development of ALP programs nationwide
Our ultimate goal is not just to spark conversation but to create momentum for change. Following the convening, IAALS will synthesize the findings and discussions into a report with clear recommendations, designed to support states in making informed decisions about ALP titles. We will continue to advocate for alignment and provide resources to help states move toward greater reciprocity, consistency, and public trust across programs. In partnership with participating committees, boards, and courts, IAALS will help carry this work forward, building a stronger, shared identity for this new legal profession.