NFPA Press Release

Lori Thompson
Pro Bono Co-Coordinator
Probono@paralegals.org

April 15, 2003  

MIDDLE TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION EXCELS IN PRO BONO

The Affiliates and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) are pleased to announce the selection of the Middle Tennessee Association of Paralegals as recipient of NFPA's 2003 Association Pro Bono Award. The award is sponsored annually by The Affiliates, a leading staffing service specializing in attorneys, paralegals and other highly skilled professionals, to recognize an association that fulfills NFPA's pro bono motto: "Pro Bono - Paralegals Making A Difference." Past winners are the Massachusetts Paralegal Association, the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association, the National Capital Area Paralegal Association, and the Georgia Paralegal Association.

The award was presented at NFPA's annual convention in Newport, Rhode Island by Camille Grabowski, marketing manager for The Affiliates who noted, "Each year, these awards draw needed attention to the efforts of the thousands of paralegals out there who put NFPA's Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility into everyday practice." She added that the awards are presented to paralegals and paralegal organizations that have exhibited outstanding dedication and service to the public on a pro bono basis. "The more than 224 hours volunteered by paralegals of MTPA epitomize what The Affiliates Association Pro Bono Award is all about."

Middle Tennessee's name will be added to a plaque that hangs in NFPA headquarters, and a donation will be made by The Affiliates to a pro bono project designed by the association. Members of the association worked closely with the Nashville Bar Association's pro bono program to establish and maintain a monthly clinic targeting low-income individuals. Beyond conducting intake interviews at these clinics, the Tennessee paralegals solicit and schedule attorney volunteers for the clinics.

About The Affiliates
The Affiliates provides law firms and corporate legal departments with project and full-time professionals including attorney, paralegals and legal support personnel. The Affiliates offers online job search services at www.affiliates.com. For more information about The Affiliates contact Lisa Hamilton by phone (650) 234-6234, by e-mail lisa.hamilton@rhi.com or by mail at The Affiliates, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

About NFPA
NFPA is a not-for-profit association with the largest number of individual paralegal members in the nation. NFPA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. NFPA is the national voice and the standard for excellence for the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics and education.