ILAP - What Does it Stand For?
Have you ever received an email from an Illinois paralegal and their name is followed by the credentials ILAP? ILAP stands for Illinois Accredited Paralegal and it is a voluntary accreditation offered by the Illinois Paralegal Association that is earned through education and experience. Paralegals who are regular members of the IPA and who meet the qualifications can apply for the credential. There are various paths to the ILAP Accreditation, but all applicants must be an Illinois resident employed as a paralegal on a full-time basis in the State of Illinois, a non-Illinois resident employed as a paralegal on a full-time basis in the State of Illinois, or an Illinois resident employed as a paralegal on a full-time basis in any state contiguous to Illinois.
Am I eligible to be an accredited paralegal?
There are education and experience requirements so check out the ILAP page on the IPA website to see if you qualify. You must submit a declaration(s) from an attorney in good standing with the state in which they are authorized to practice law who will attest to your direct knowledge of your skill level as a paralegal.
Is there a Cost?
The ILAP application fee is $35.00.
How long is the accreditation valid?
The ILAP accreditation must be renewed every 2 years. In addition to submitting an application for renewal and paying a $15.00 renewal fee, applicants are required to show proof of completion of the required 12 hours of CLE, with at least 2 of those hours being in ethics, during the 2 year term. The Accreditation Committee, which is currently made up of four ILAP accredited IPA members, reviews each application and provides a certificate attesting to your ILAP accreditation.
Why is the ILAP accreditation important?
The ILAP accreditation helps to raise and improve the professional standards of the Illinois paralegal profession by acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated a continuing desire to maintain high standards of excellence in the paralegal profession. The ILAP accreditation also encourages and promotes the continuing education of Illinois paralegals and distinguishes those paralegals who have committed to the continuous betterment of the paralegal profession to the legal community.
If you haven’t done so apply today!
ILAP Accreditation Committee
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