Alberta Assoc of Prof Paralegals

History
The Association was originally formed to provide recognition for Legal Assistants who wanted to be accredited for the independent work they performed. The AAPP was incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta on July 29, 1981, under the name of the "Alberta Association of Legal Assistants". On April 7, 2000, the name was changed to the "Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals" in order to assist with the POARA application. The Association has grown tremendously from 1981 to present. In 1998, there were 148 members and today, we have almost 300 members! AAPP is also involved with NAFTA.

Our Mission
The objectives and goals of the AAPP are to provide and maintain an organization for Paralegals; to promote professional unity and mutual assistance amongst Paralegals; and to promote ongoing educational opportunities. The mission is to become recognized for the work that Paralegals do and the knowledge that they have.

Code of Ethics
Definition: Principal: means the Barrister and Solicitor, Barristers and Solicitors and/or the firm of Barristers and Solicitors employing the Paralegal and whose duties are performed under such supervision.

The duties performed by the Paralegal shall at all times be subject to the supervision of his/her Principal. The Paralegal shall at no time represent himself/herself to a client or any person as a lawyer. The Paralegal shall not counsel or give legal advice to a client without the authority and direction of his/her Principal at which time the Paralegal shall advise the client that it is his/her Principal's counsel and/or legal advice.
The Paralegal must discharge his/her duties with honesty and integrity.
The Paralegal shall work in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner and shall provide a service at least equal to that which a lawyer generally would expect of a competent Paralegal.
The Paralegal has a duty to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of the professional relationship concerning the business and affairs of his/her Principal and the clients of his/her Principal and he/she should not divulge any such information unless he/she is expressly authorized by his/her Principal or required by law to do so.
The Paralegal owes a duty to his/her Principal to observe all relevant rules and laws regarding the presentation and safekeeping of the property of any client entrusted to his/her Principal.
The Paralegal should assist in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
The Paralegal's conduct towards his/her Principal, the clients of his/her Principal and other members of the legal profession should be characterized by courtesy and good faith.
The Paralegal shall observe the rules of conduct set out in this Code of Ethics.
Any business cards used by a Paralegal shall include the name of his/her employer and specify the occupation of Paralegal or such other description as shall, form time to time, be approved by the Association and/or The Law Society of Alberta.
Any misconduct or negligence on the part of the Paralegal under the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta will be considered misconduct or negligence on the part of the supervising lawyer.