Recently, the Western New York Paralegal Association, Inc. (WNYPA), has “adopted” two Navy Legalmen or Military Paralegals currently serving overseas. The purpose of the Navy Legalmen Project, a community service program, is to provide support and comfort, along with information and news regarding the civilian paralegal profession, to our military paralegal counterparts.

WNYPA is a voluntary, nonprofit association formed in 1976 to promote the professional development and continuing legal education of paralegals in the Western New York area. WNYPA has been a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) since 1981. In June 2004, the Navy formed the Navy Legalmen Association (NLA) and chose to affiliate with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

Presently, there are more than 600 paralegals working in the United States Navy. The equivalent of a civilian paralegal, legalmen overseas perform paralegal and clerical functions under the direction and supervision of Naval attorneys. Traditionally, they assist attorneys with administrative discharge proceedings, court martial proceedings, courts of inquiry and investigations and preparation of legal documents (National Paralegal Reporter. April/May 2006.)

The Navy Legalmen Project developed during a conversation at dinner one night at the NFPA’s 2005 Leadership Conference hosted by the Navy Legalmen Association in Washington, D.C. Lori Thompson, NFPA Pro Bono Coordinator at the time, started a conversation with Master Chief Stephen S. Distefano, President of the Navy Legalmen Association, which ended with setting the foundation for a new program that would provide an opportunity for the NFPA’s Pro Bono Committee and its member affiliated associations to support deployed Navy Legalmen.

The goal of the Navy Legalmen Project is to send each and every Navy Legalman and Military Paralegal a personalized care package every other month. Packages may include personal hygiene products, food, snacks, puzzles, books and miscellaneous items. For more information about the Navy Legalmen Project, please visit www.wnyparalegals.org and click on the 'Navy Legalman' tab, or contact WNYPA Navy Legalmen Project Chair, Annette Worthington, at 716-848-1490.