What is PPA?

The Palmetto Paralegal Association (PPA), formerly known as the Columbia Legal Assistant Association, was established in 1988 to promote professional development through continuing legal education and to enhance the recognition of the paralegal profession within the legal community. 

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, PPA's membership is comprised of over 150 members.  Members may be students enrolled in a paralegal program, paralegals employed by law firms, courts, government agencies, and private businesses, or individuals providing services to the legal community.

Our members bring other law-related employment experience to the paralegal profession - as college educators, law librarians, court reporters, court clerks, title searches, and juvenile officers.  Some of our members have non-legal backgrounds wich include art, construction, business, education and management.

PPA members are active in numerous professional, business and charitable orgnizations.  Members have assisted in pro bono projects such as Wills for Heroes, as well as supported charitable organizations such as Carolina Children's Home and Harvest Hope Food Bank.

PPA is the founding member of the South Carolina Alliance of Paralegal Associations (SCAPA), formerly known as the South Carolina Alliance of Legal Assistant Associations (SCALAA) and is a member of the Notional Federation of Paralega Associations (NFPA).