On January 30, 1988, five NYS paralegal associations met in Binghamton and formed the “Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations” (“ESAPA”). Associations in attendance were from Long Island, Manhattan, Buffalo, Binghamton and Rochester. The statewide alliance arose from the need to strengthen the paralegal profession in NYS through networking. Issues and concerns of each association were discussed by representatives in attendance and the following goals were established:
- Network with established paralegal associations across NYS
- Outreach to aid new and growing associations
- Develop working relationships with local bar associations, paralegal associations and other law-related entities
- Establish criteria for curricula of paralegal education programs
- Keep informed on paralegal issues at local, state and national levels
- Monitor legislative issues affecting the paralegal profession