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. (Full members receive discounts!)

.   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! (Full members only.)

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

At our meetings, we strive to find speakers to benefit everyone in all types of law. To see a sample of speakers and topics we have had in the past, click here.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
CLICK HERE

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

Membership Renewals
Click Here

pAYMENT 

Personal benefits:

Credit Union:
to save and borrow
(full members only)

Insurance:
medical, dental, disability, long-term care, life, etc.
(full members only)

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, holiday party,
and much more!

Working advantage
Full members receive discounts at theme parks, restaurants, etc.!
 

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, 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.")

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., meeting at 6 p.m., Dinner at 6:20 p.m. and speaker at approximately 6:45 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."

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 our Membership Chairman at information@mtdiablolpa.info and he/she will be happy to answer any of your questions, send you a membership application, sponsor you, and help you get started!

What are the Membership Requirements?

1. Full Membership.
   An active member shall be a person directly engaged in work of a legal nature in California who is either: (1) licensed to practice law; (2) employed as legal support staff in the office of any attorney engaged in the practice of law; (3) employed by the courts; or (4) employed in any other institution or office providing services of a legal nature.
   
   
2. Student membership.
   A person who qualifies for student membership shall be enrolled in a course of study leading to employment in the legal profession and may maintain such Student Membership while thus enrolled.
   
   
3. Associate membership.
   The Associate Member shall be actively seeking employment in the legal profession and may maintain Associate Membership for a period of two years.
   

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.


How much does it cost?

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Applications submitted between May 1 and November 30:
$70 (PayPal/Credit Card) or
$65 (Cash/Check)

Applications submitted on or after December 1:
$55 (PayPal/Credit Card) or
$50 (Cash/Check)

Option for Applications submitted after December 1: You may have the option of having your application 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 $55 (by check/cash) or $60 (by credit card/PayPal) and is due May 1 of each year. Late fees apply if renewal dues are postmarked June 1 and after.

STUDENT/ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP 

Applications submitted between May 1 and November 30:
$52.50 (PayPal/Credit Card) or
$50.00 (Cash/Check)

Applications submitted on or after December 1:
$42.50 (PayPal/Credit Card) or
$40.00 (Cash/Check)

Option for Applications submitted after December 1: You may have the option of having your application 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 (by check/cash) or $47.50 (by credit card/PayPal) and is due May 1 of each year. Late fees apply if renewal dues are postmarked June 1 and after.