Mt. Diablo Legal Professionals Association

why join mdlpa?

.   Network with others who share your same profession, who are enthusiastic, busy, knowledgeable, and supportive.

.   Our Legal Procedures Chairman will keep you informed of all changes in forms, procedures, and court rules which affect us as legal professionals.

.   Our Program Chairman invites speakers to our monthly meetings who will inform and delight you with information which affects your job and life. To see some of our past speakers and topics, please click here.

.   Learn about workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by our association, LSI, and Bay Area Legal Secretaries Forum  to continue your education and keep you up-to-date.

.   You will have the opportunity to learn about, study for, and obtain a California Certified Legal Secretary (CCLS) certificate.

.   Receive our Quid Novi monthly newsletter via email to keep you up-to-date on current events within our group.

.   Receive the quarterly magazine The Legal Secretary which publishes invaluable articles and information pertaining to your career!

.   Receive discounts on CEB reference materials, including the Legal Professional's Handbook and Law Office Procedures Manual.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
CLICK HERE

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

CLICK HERE

Note: If you don't have a sponsor, our membership chair will be happy to sponsor you.

Membership Renewals
Click Here

Click here to see what our members are saying!

Personal benefits:

Credit Union:
to save and borrow

Insurance:
medical, dental, disability, long-term care, life, etc.

Employment OPPORTUNITIES:
 ANNOUNCED PERIODICALLY

Friendships:
be part of an association with others who share your interest and pride in our profession!

Social Activities:
summer socials, Employer/Member Appreciation Night, fashion shows, holiday party, and much more!

---

---

What are the Membership Requirements?

1. You must be currently employed and have had at least six months' experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, legal administrative assistant or legal secretary, typist, clerk, or court reporter in the office of any attorney engaged in the practice of law in the state of California, or in the courts, trust department of banks or trust companies, or in any institution or office directly engaged in work of a legal nature, including all public offices of the United States, state, and city governments.
   
   
2. You must be sponsored by at least one active member of our association (or our membership chairman can sponsor you), and you must have attended at least one meeting. Your application, along with payment of dues, may then be presented to the Board and to the General Membership for approval.
   
   
3. Student membership: Persons studying to become employed in the legal field shall be eligible to become members of the Association upon payment of one-half the annual dues set by this Association and acceptance by the general membership. Said Student Members shall be allowed to participate in the activities of the Association, including serving on committees, but shall not be entitled to hold office or vote. Student Membership does not include membership in Legal Secretaries, Inc. ("LSI").
   
   
4. Associate membership: Persons who do not qualify for General Membership or Student Membership may join our Association as an Associate Member upon payment of one-half the annual dues set by this Association and acceptance by the general membership. Said Associate Members shall be allowed to participate in the activities of the Association, including serving on committees, but shall not be entitled to hold office or vote. Associate Membership does not include membership in Legal Secretaries, Inc. ("LSI").

when and where do we meet?

Our regular monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, with social time beginning at 5:30 p.m., speaker at 6 p.m., and dinner meeting at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Meetings are held at various restaurants throughout central Contra Costa County. Announcement of the location of our meetings is published in our newsletter, the Quid Novi, and may also be found on this website under "Calendar of Events."

How much does it cost?

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Applications submitted betwen May 1 and October 31: The annual dues to the Association, which includes dues payable to LSI, are $55 for the first year (including a one-time only initiation fee of $10), and $45 each year thereafter. Dues are payable within thirty days after the beginning of the fiscal year. Our fiscal year starts each May 1.

Applications submitted between November 1 and March 1: Your initial annual dues shall be pro-rated to $42.50, which includes membership with MDLPA and LSI, and the one-time only initiation fee of $10.

Applications submitted after March 1: Your application will be held until May 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year. You are still entitled to come to meetings and receive the Quid Novi newsletter until your membership begins May 1.

Renewals: Membership renewal is $45, due May 1 of each year.

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP 

Student Membership:  Students pay one-half of the annual dues set by the Association, or $27.50 per year.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Associate Membership:  Associate Members are vendors, or any person who does not qualify as either a General Member or Student Member. Associates pay one-half of the annual dues set by the Association, or $27.50 per year.

HOW ABOUT THE DINNER MEETINGS?

Members pay for their dinners, including tax and tip, at every general meeting for which they have a reservation. This cost varies typically between $18 and $24, depending on the location. 

offsetting costs

Many employers pay for their employees' dues and/or dinners because MDLPA offers continuing education which can increase their employees' knowledge and productivity. We encourage you to ask your employer if this is an option with your firm.  (Remember, if you don't ask the question, the answer is an automatic "No.")

who do you contact for more information
or to become a member?

Any member of our Association should be able to answer questions you might have about MDLPA, and will be your sponsor should you decided to join our Association. If you do not know someone who is a member, contact Cristina Gomez, our Membership Chairman, or click here. Cristina will be happy to answer any of your questions, send you a membership application, sponsor you, and help you get started!

FOR A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
CLICK HERE