On October 23, 1981, the State Bar of Texas became the first bar association in the nation to establish a Paralegal Division. For over four decades, the Division has advanced the profession, upheld high ethical standards, and strengthened legal services across Texas. While the Texas House of Representatives issued temporary proclamations beginning in 2005, the recognition became permanent on January 22, 2009, when the Texas Senate adopted Proclamation No. 1144, officially designating October 23rd as Texas Paralegal Day.
Proclamation No. 1144 affirms that “Paralegals are vital resources to their firms, performing valuable services for and under the direction of an attorney, and their work requires a thorough knowledge of legal concepts and facts.” It further recognizes the Paralegal Division’s mission to promote professional ethics, continuing legal education, and cooperation with the State Bar of Texas, while striving to improve legal services statewide, expand opportunities for paralegals, and celebrate their contributions to the legal community.
Through their talent, expertise, and dedication, paralegals play an indispensable role in the efficient functioning of the Texas judicial system. For these reasons, the paralegal profession—and the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas—are indeed worthy of special recognition.
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