VAPA’S 15th Biennial Statewide Conference (2026)/Career Advice for all paralegals starting with how to get your foot in the door/Paralegal Licensing: Paralegals Practicing Law Within the Law

Tidewater Paralegal Association

Session One:

There have been vast changes in the cybersecurity realm over the past year, including the dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effect on cybersecurity, both the good and bad, and the persistence of phishing attacks. With each passing day, month, and year, cybersecurity challenges continue to grow for lawyers.
Microsoft has released its rundown on the year in review, offering simplified advice and
cybersecurity steps to help protect your data and systems. Lawyers love it when complex technical jargon is broken down into easy-to-understand concepts with steps to implement, especially when the information is free.

Session Agenda: VAPA-Materials-Maschke-Dorsey.pdf

Learning Objectives:

Gaining advise on how to navigate Cybersecurity
Learning about the dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its effect on cybersecurity
Learning tips and tricks for keeping your data and systems secure

Session Two:

1. Hiring trends for paralegals.
2. How to market yourself inside the firm.
3. Advice for entry-level paralegals and what to expect.
4. Advice for senior paralegals and today’s challenges.
5. Building your personal brand.
6. Aligning your brand with the organizational goals.
7. Looking inside the law firm.
8. Career Growth and your future.

Session Agenda: Outline.docx

Learning Objectives:

Learning how to navigate the legal profession.
How to market yourself for success.
Advice for entry-level paralegals and what to expect.
Advice for senior paralegals and today’s challenges.

Session Three:

As states around the nation explore paralegal licensing to address the access to justice crisis, state courts and bars are working out ways to ensure paralegals can practice law safely within the rules.
This presentation will survey state positions on paralegal licensing, describe the various models, and address how paralegals are practicing law within the law.

Session Agenda: VAPA-Licensed-Paralegals-26-1008-1.pdf

Learning Objectives:

Explore paralegal licensing and how courts and state bars are working to address this matter.
Learn why it is important and the significance of paralegals being licensed to practice.
Learn how paralegals will handle caseloads once licensed.

CLE Hours = 3 (2-Nonsubstantive, 1-Substantive)