IPA Membership: A Game-Changer
Professional organizations can be a game-changer for your career. Over the past 13 years, the Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA) has been my secret weapon for staying ahead of the curve—and becoming indispensable to my attorneys. Why? Because I was always on top of what was happening in the courts.
When the Illinois Supreme Court mandated statewide use of Tyler’s Odyssey eFile system, IPA partnered with approved vendors to deliver training sessions that prepared members for the transition. That knowledge made me the “go-to expert” in my office before the mandate even took effect.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, IPA organized a Circuit Court Town Hall, bringing together Circuit Clerks from across Illinois to share how their courts were adapting. That insight helped members navigate unprecedented changes and keep their offices running smoothly.
Last year, Gordon Ferguson hosted a Lunch & Learn explaining the new rule change in Cook County—no longer requiring service through the Sheriff first and allowing special process servers (with a small $5 fee per filing). These updates matter, and IPA makes sure you know them first.
And it’s not just big changes—IPA’s message boards have saved me countless times when I wasn’t sure how to prepare a document or filing. Having that resource means I can consistently deliver the best work product to my attorneys. These moments may seem small, but when you’re the person who keeps your team informed and ready, you become invaluable.
I still remember how excited I was to upgrade my IPA “Student Membership” to a full "Regular Membership" in 2014 after landing my first paralegal job. As a student, I attended education sessions, social events, and devoured newsletters. That passion for being the best has never left me—and I know I couldn’t have done it without IPA and its incredible members.
If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, what are you waiting for? The legal field is constantly evolving, and you don’t want to be scrambling. Be the resource your attorneys rely on—the one who knows what’s coming next. It might just propel your career to new heights.
Sincerely,
Melissa Jurik, ILAP
IPA Director